This study sought to establish an orthopedic implant retrieval program according to ASTM F561-87 (the American Society for Testing and Materials) and to describe the results of evaluation of failed implants. A total of 275 fracture fixation and prosthetic devices have been retrieved to date. Results of metallurgical evaluation showed no deviations in ASTM specifications among the failed implants evaluated. The cause of failure in most cases was fatigue following nonunion or delay in healing.
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