Practical biomechanical considerations for spine implant testing

The author presents the basic biomechanical concepts linked with spine implant testing. The paper also contains the methodology of in vitro and in vivo spine implant testing. The physical and biological properties of various materials and devices commonly used in spine surgery are discussed in relation to their role in spine surgery. The paper clearly shows how all these parameters influence surgical strategy for the spine and more importantly how the choice of methods and devices influences the long term results of spinal surgery. The author also presents the biomechanical repercussions of a failed spine and his own concept of an "ideal" fusion.