Failure analysis was conducted on commercially pure titanium orthopedic screws explanted from
a 55 year old male. This analysis included gathering background information and patient history,
macroscopic examination, material characterization and microscopic examination of the fracture surface
of the failed screws. Additionally, a literature review was conducted in an effort to assess the frequency
of similar failures. Information obtained from the failure analysis indicates that the screws failed via an
overload during the installation process.