[Observations on optimizing the mechanical properties of osteosynthesis screws].

According to two agreeing standards, the mechanical requirements for bone screws consist of a minimum breaking torque and of the minimum angle of rotation to failure of 180 degrees. Apparently it has been overlooked that these requirements admit austenitic steels with a very low yield strength, which reach the required torque at fracture only by the work-hardening brought about during the torsion test. As a high yield strength is a prerequisite of a stable fixation, a formulation is proposed which guarantees not only a high elastic torque but also an adequate work of deformation in the plastic state as an insurance against embrittlement.