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Corrosion induced failure of a stainless steel orthopaedic implant device
Author(s) -
Sivakumar M.,
Rajeswari S.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
steel research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1869-344X
pISSN - 0177-4832
DOI - 10.1002/srin.199501768
Subject(s) - corrosion fatigue , implant , materials science , corrosion , crevice corrosion , metallurgy , medicine , surgery
Failure investigation was carried out for the fractured orthopaedic implant device (Sherman bone plate) which fractured in the ulna of the right hand of a patient. Marked macroscopic beach marks were radiating from the pit present in the inner side of the countersunk hole. Fatigue striations, microcracks and pitting attack were noticed in the fractured site of the implant. Electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test on failed implant showed a significant reactivation peak indicating the presence of chromium‐depleted regions. The failure of the Sherman bone plate was the consequence of corrosion fatigue due to the propagation of cracks radiating from the pit present in the crevice. The crack propagation was aggravated by the biomechanical force exerted on the implant.