Spinal Implant Testing

Spinal implants are divided into two categories: fusion devices and non-fusion devices. Spinal fusion cages and stabilization systems are commonly used to treat fractures, disc compressions and deformities, while non-fusion devices are used to relieve pressure while maintaining spinal mobility.

STEMart performs a variety of testing for spinal prostheses and individual spinal replacement components such as interbody fusion device (IBFDs), Vertebral Body Replacement (VBRs), cervical and lumbar cages, disc replacements, interspinous implants, plate systems, rod and screw systems to characterize their lifespan and durability.

Applicable Standards

• ASTM
• ISO

Test Capabilities

• Cage Testing: Characterize the mechanical properties of the IBFDs and VBRs in static and dynamic axial compression, shear compression and/or torsion mode.
• Spinal Construct Testing in a Vertebrectomy Model
• Static and dynamic axial compression testing
• Static and dynamic torsion testing
• Static tension testing
• Interconnections Mechanisms and Subassemblies Testing: Measure uniaxial static and fatigue strength, and resistance to loosening of the component interconnection mechanisms of spinal arthrodesis implants, such as rods, hooks, screws and bands.
• Investigate the strength of the interlocking mechanism of modular tibial PS and CR inserts.
• Investigate the strength of the interlocking mechanism between the tibial baseplate and the tibial insert of PS knees towards static loads in anterior-posterior, posterior-anterior, medio-lateral and tensile loading direction.
• Spinous Process Plates (SPP) Testing
• Static and dynamic axial compression testing
• Static and dynamic torsion testing
• Static and dynamic plate dissociation testing
• Static pull-out from standard foam
• Mechanical and Functional Characterization of Nucleus Replacement and Nucleus Augmentation Devices
• Impingement-Wear Testing: Wear of the spinal prostheses is determined by weight loss, gravimetric measurement or dimensional analysis. Particle analysis of wear debris is available.
• Impingement wear testing of total disc prostheses
• Impingement wear testing of lumbar prostheses
• Wear testing of total intervertebral spinal disc prostheses
• Wear testing of spinal nucleus prostheses
• Wear testing of extra-discal motion preserving implants
• Expulsion Testing: Determine the mechanical resistance of spinal implants against expulsion loads.
• Lumbar
• Cervical cages
• Vertebral Body Replacement (VBRs)

STEMart provides trusted mechanical testing for spinal implants including static and fatigue tests in different loading modes, such as axial, torsional, shear, flexion/extension, bending, lateral bending, and axial rotation. If you want to learn more detail about our service, or would like to consult with the experts at STEMart, please feel free to contact us.