SEDL / STP / STP1217-EB / STP12219S

Metallurgical Properties of Unalloyed Titanium Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plates

Disegi, JA
Materials Development Director, SYNTHES (USA), Paoli, PA

Cesarone, DM
Mechanical Test Engineer, SYNTHES (USA), Paoli, PA

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1994

Download this paper for $25 PDF (188K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

The AO/ASIF Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate (LC-DCP®) is fabricated from implant quality unalloyed titanium material that conforms to ASTM F67 standard [1]. Broad and narrow 4.5 mm plates and small 3.5 mm plates are used with unalloyed titanium bone screws for fracture fixation of the femur, tibia, and forearm. The LC-DCP concept of biological plating is described elsewhere.

Metallurgical properties must be closely controlled to provide a satisfactory level of functional performance. Microstructure, composition, processing, and testing guidelines are important for bone plate applications. Optimum microstructure features include fine grain size, absence of nonmetallic inclusions, and low volume fraction of TiFe intermetallic phase. The influence of iron on the corrosion resistance of unalloyed titanium is well documented.

Special metallurgical processing ensures an enhanced combination of strength and ductility. Bone plate raw material is evaluated according to a standardized bend test method. Four point bend testing data is compared for titanium LC-DCP and 316L stainless steel DCP implants.