Since 2004, the CCDM lab performs tests on orthopedic implants. The most used (and tested) implants are screws. These are commonly made either of austenitic stainless steel ASTM F138 or of Ti-6Al-4V alloy ASTM F136. The aim of this study was to evaluate the obtained torsion test results and to present an overview of the average product properties. The results stand for 15 different producers, and 451 samples, covering almost all the screw types utilized in implants: orthodontic, anchor and tibial nail applications, and designs for pedicular, cortical and cancellous bones. The dispersion in angle of rupture was high. Nevertheless the majority of the results lied above the minimum required by the ASTM F543 standard.
Metallic implant screws; torque measurements
