You are taller in the morning and in outer space. The lack of gravity from lying down to sleep or being in outer space causes the cartilage in vertebral discs to expand. In fact, astronauts are 3% taller after returning from living in outer space. ASTM F2077-22: Standard Test Methods For Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices analyzes static and dynamic test methods to compare different intervertebral body fusion device assemblies in spinal locations.
What is ASTM F2077-22?
The test method in ASTM F2077-22 covers the materials and methods for static and dynamic testing of intervertebral body fusion device assemblies: spinal implants designed to promote arthrodesis at a given spinal motion segment. The test method allows comparison of intervertebral body fusion device assemblies with different intended spinal locations (lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine), and it details application methods to the intradiscal spaces.
Can You Live Without a Spine?
A spine is vital to one’s health and body structure, so you cannot live without it. A spine is made up of vertebrae (small bones) that are stacked on top of one another to create a spinal column—nerve fibers that travel from the brain through the spinal canal. The spine is thereby an imperative part of the skeleton since it runs down your skull to your lower back, carrying messages from your brain to other parts of your body. In other words, your spinal cord is part of your central nervous system. Without the linkage between brain and body, functions like movement and sensation would be limited. You could not keep yourself upright, bend with flexibility, or control your movements without a spine.
What Are Spinal Problems?
Spinal problems refer to diseases or injuries that impact the spine, causing symptoms like lower back pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. Nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain; about 16 million adults (8% of all adults) experience persistent or chronic back pain. Here some common spinal problems:
- Cervical spondylosis
- Herniated disk
- Kyphosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Syringomyelia
- Spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral tumor
- Whiplash
What Are Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices?
ASTM F2077-22 defines intervertebral body fusion devices as a structure (biologic or synthetic) that is placed in the disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies to provide support for eventual arthrodesis of the two adjacent vertebral bodies. Intervertebral body fusion device assemblies are geometric-shaped devices that are often porous or hollow, and they are manufactured in a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes. Their function is to support the anterior column of the spine to facilitate arthrodesis of the motion segment.
What is the Test Method in ASTM F2077-22?
The test method in ASTM F2077-22 covers the static and dynamic evaluation of intervertebral body fusion device assemblies. These tests are conducted in vitro to allow for analysis of the mechanical performance of intervertebral body fusion device assemblies to specific force modalities. The purpose of this test method is to allow for a consistent, repeatable comparison of different intervertebral body fusion device assemblies via a comprehensive series of mechanical tests.
ASTM F2077-22: Standard Test Methods For Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices is available on the ANSI Webstore.
