Orthopaedic Biomaterials
A 45-year-old man underwent open reduction internal fixation of a tibial shaft fracture 2 years ago using a stainless steel intramedullary nail. He presents with pain and swelling around the knee. There is no clinical evidence of infection. Radiographs show healed fracture with intact hardware. The surgeon is considering implant removal and wonders about the metallurgical properties that may have contributed to his symptoms. Regarding the composition and properties of stainless steel implants:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Orthopaedic implant-grade stainless steel is typically 316L (ASTM F138), composed of iron (60-65%), ...
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel depends on the passive chromium oxide (Cr2O3) layer that...
316L stainless steel contains no nickel and is completely safe in nickel-allergic patients; the pass...
Stainless steel has a modulus of elasticity of approximately 200 GPa, which is significantly higher ...
Advantages of stainless steel include low cost, ease of manufacturing, good fatigue strength, and du...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option