ASTM F2267 is a standard test method used to measure load-induced subsidence of non-biologic intervertebral body fusion devices (often referred to as spinal cages) under static axial compression.
Because results depend heavily on fixture alignment, simulated bone blocks, and test-system stiffness, many labs use this method as a controlled, comparative benchmark rather than a direct predictor of in-vivo performance. If you need help matching the right test setup to your device geometry and the edition you are citing, talk with our team.
ASTM F2267-24 Standard Test Method for Measuring Load-Induced Subsidence of Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Under Static Axial Compression
ASTM F2267 is a static mechanical test method focused on one specific failure mode: the tendency of an intervertebral body fusion device to sink into vertebral endplate material under compressive loading (subsidence).
It is commonly used during product development, comparative design studies, and verification planning for spinal fusion cages where a repeatable “simulated vertebral body” approach is needed.
Quick Definition
Document type: Standard test method (static axial compression subsidence test).
What it measures: Load-induced subsidence behavior of a fusion device into simulated vertebral body blocks, with guidance for accounting for block deformation and test-system effects.
How results are used: Comparative evaluation between device designs and/or simulated bone densities (not a pass/fail performance specification).
What This Standard Covers
This method describes an in-vitro, static axial compression setup where an intervertebral body fusion device is positioned between simulated vertebral body materials and loaded along a defined axis. The intent is to quantify subsidence characteristics and support consistent comparisons between devices.
The standard includes guidance for measuring test-block deformation and determining device subsidence, recognizing that the test setup and materials meaningfully influence the measured displacement response.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Subsidence can be a clinically relevant concern for spinal fusion devices because excessive “sinking” into endplate bone can affect implant position and the intended biomechanics of the treated motion segment. ASTM F2267 provides a standardized, controlled way to compare how different cage designs behave under static axial compressive loading in simulated bone.
For lab managers and R&D teams, the practical value of ASTM F2267 is repeatability and comparability: it helps separate device-to-device differences from test-to-test variability caused by alignment, stiffness, and simulated bone materials.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
Common products: Non-biologic intervertebral body fusion devices (spinal fusion cages) intended to promote arthrodesis.
Common device materials: Metal and polymer cages (including porous or hollow designs) are frequently evaluated with this method, provided the device is a non-biologic fusion device.
Common applications: Comparative device screening, design iterations, and verification planning where a standardized subsidence benchmark is needed across different intended spinal locations and implantation approaches.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
In a typical ASTM F2267 workflow, the lab prepares the specified simulated vertebral body blocks, installs the fusion device per the intended loading orientation, and applies a static axial compressive load while recording force and displacement.
Because deformation can occur in the simulated bone blocks and within the test system itself, the method’s reporting intent is focused on comparative subsidence behavior under defined conditions. For many programs, the key is controlling variables (block density, alignment, load application) so design differences can be interpreted credibly.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ASTM F2267 is typically run on a servo-electric or hydraulic universal testing system configured for static compression with appropriate fixturing to hold and align the simulated vertebral body blocks and device.
Common equipment elements: Universal testing machine (static compression), suitably sized load cell, compression platens/fixtures, alignment features to control off-axis loading, and instrumentation to capture displacement (machine crosshead displacement and/or external displacement measurement depending on the lab’s uncertainty requirements).
Critical accessories and consumables: Simulated vertebral body block materials and any rigid reference components used to characterize system response, plus a fixture set that maintains repeatable positioning consistent with the device geometry and the standard’s loading intent.
If you are comparing load frames, fixtures, or displacement measurement approaches for this method, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your cage sizes, expected load range, and reporting needs.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
Designation format: ASTM F2267-24 refers to ASTM standard F2267 with a year-based suffix.
Year suffix meaning: In ASTM designations, the number after the hyphen indicates the year of original adoption or the most recent revision of that standard.
Why the edition matters: Even when the title is unchanged, referenced fixture details, simulated bone requirements, and reporting expectations may vary by revision. For procurement and quoting, it is best to align equipment and documentation to the exact edition called out in your internal protocol or regulatory submission.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
Subsidence testing is often only one part of a broader mechanical evaluation plan for spinal implants. Depending on your device type and risk analysis, programs may also include other static and/or fatigue test methods for intervertebral body fusion devices and associated spinal implant constructs.
When you are building a complete verification matrix, make sure the loading modes, fixtures, and acceptance rationale are consistent across the referenced standards rather than mixing requirements from different methods.
Get Help Selecting a Practical ASTM F2267 Test Setup
If you want support selecting load capacity, alignment approach, and displacement measurement options for ASTM F2267 subsidence testing, contact our team with your device drawings, expected load range, and the ASTM edition you need to cite.