Torsional properties of implant grade titanium

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the torsional strength and ductility of CP titanium in the as received condition, heat treated below the alpha----beta transition temperature, and glass bead blasted. Results were compared to as-received samples of implant quality 316L stainless steel. Little or no effect of any of the treatments was noted. The torsional strength of all titanium samples was comparable to 316L stainless and the torsional ductility of the titanium was significantly greater than 316L stainless (p less than .01). These results are significantly different than those obtained when torsion testing bone screws of the same material. A hypothesis is proposed for the differences in these results.