Austenitic steel: a basic implant material in traumatic and orthopedic surgery

In this article the author analyzed the quality of implants made of chromium-nickel-molybdenum austenitic steels used in traumatic and orthopedic surgery. The steel quality is discussed in reference to the recommendations in current standards. The problem of chemical composition and phase structure of the steel has been taken into consideration, along with its physical and chemical properties, with particular attention to the problem of implant corrosion. The complications observed in clinical practice are largely dependent on material factors and should be taken into account when reporting clinical outcomes.