The International Organization for Standardization technical committee on implants for surgery

The author defines surgical implants. Surgical applications of implants are shown to be increasing and the range of materials used is growing. Surgeons' knowledge of materials science is generally inadequate and there is now a need for implant standards and for assurance of their quality control. The problems in achieving this internationally are discussed. The achievements of the ISO's technical committee (TC150) on implants for surgery are described.