Proposed ASTM standard supports preclinical testing for disc replacement

Editor's Note

A proposed international standard, “WK33006, Guide for Impingement Testing of Total Disc Prostheses,” being developed by ASTM’s committee on medical and surgical materials and devices could help manufacturers improve designs for total disc replacements.

The proposed standard will guide manufacturers through the process of characterizing “impingement behavior” of disc replacement designs and will allow users to evaluate their devices and determine the conditions and parameters that cause impingement.

Manufacturers and engineers also will find the proposed standard useful for assessing next generation device concepts and material combinations.