ASTM F1717, Standard Test Methods for Spinal Implant Constructs in a Vertebrectomy Model and ASTM 2706, Standard Test Methods for Occipital-Cervical and Occipital-Cervical-Thoracic Spinal Implant Constructs in a Vertebrectomy Model, specify methods for both the static and fatigue testing of spinal implant assemblies. The tests include:

Static compressive bending

Static tensile bending

Static torsion

Dynamic compressive bending fatigue

ISO 12189, Implants for surgery – Mechanical testing of implantable spinal devices – Fatigue test method for spinal implant assemblies using an anterior support, species a very similar Dynamic compressive bending fatigue test.

For the majority of spinal construct testing, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) blocks are used rather than vertebrae to eliminate variations in bone properties and geometry that may be present.

TEST SYSTEM

HST-EFT-A  Electric Dynamic Test Instrument or a HFT-A servohydraulic testing system.