Failure of a titanium anterior cervical plate implant: microstructural analysis of failure. Case report

The authors present the case of a failed titanium anterior cervical spine plate. The plate was contoured during implantation. Analysis of the failed implant with electron microscopy showed no metallurgical flaw to have caused the plate fracture. A crack was apparently initiated with the contouring of the plate. It was located at the weakest point in the plate (the position of the intermediate screw hole), and with subsequent stress, it propagated and led to fracture. Techniques for avoiding failure of this type are discussed.