The present paper summarises cases of metallurgical failure analysis of two femoral compression plates and one femoral nail-plate fabricated in stainless steel, one oral maxillo-facial plate for jaw reconstruction in commercially pure titanium alloy, and several Nitinol wires. The experimental work consisted of visual inspection of the samples, macroscopic and microscopic characterisation of the material, fractographic investigation of the fracture surface and adjacent areas and chemical composition. The present investigation revealed that most of the implants investigated were not in accordance with ISO standards and most of them presented evidence of corrosion assisted fracture. Additionally, some of the components revealed the presence of fabrication and/or processing defects, which contributed to their premature failure. The implantation of materials that are not biocompatible may cause several types of adverse effects in the human body and promote the premature failure of the implants, with immeasurable damages for the patients and losses for the public investment. The local sanitary regulation agencies are strengthening the mechanisms to avoid the commercialisation of surgical implants not in accordance with standards, including the adoption of retrieval analysis of failed implants.