Test Methods for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices
Describes static and fatigue testing of intervertebral body fusion devices in axial, lateral, and compression-shear orientations, to characterize the structural integrity of the device. Samples are tested between simulated vertebral bodies, made of polyacetal blocks for dynamic loading, and stainless steel blocks for static loading. The blocks are designed to mate with the geometry of the device, similar to how the device mates with vertebral end plates. Samples are tested for 5 million cycles, or until failure.
