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1.1 This standard specifies a test method for determining the endurance properties and deformation, under specified laboratory conditions, of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial bearing components used in bicompartmental or tricompartmental knee prosthesis designs.

1.2 This test method is intended to simulate near posterior edge loading similar to the type of loading that would occur during high flexion motions such as squatting or kneeling.

1.3 Although the methodology described attempts to identify physiological orientations and loading conditions, the interpretation of results is limited to an in vitro comparison between knee prosthesis designs and their ability to resist deformation and fracture under stated test conditions.

1.4 This test method applies to bearing components manufactured from UHMWPE.

1.5 This test method could be adapted to address unicompartmental total knee replacement (TKR) systems, provided that the designs of the unicompartmental systems have sufficient constraint to allow use of this test method. This test method does not include instructions for testing two unicompartmental knees as a bicompartmental system.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

4.1 This test method can be used to describe the effects of materials, manufacturing, and design variables on the fatigue/cyclic creep performance of UHMWPE bearing components subject to substantial rotation in the transverse plane (relative to the tibial tray) for a relatively large number of cycles.

4.2 The loading and kinematics of bearing component designs in vivo will, in general, differ from the loading and kinematics defined in this test method. The results obtained here cannot be used to directly predict in vivo performance. However, this test method is designed to enable comparisons between the fatigue performance of different bearing component designs when tested under similar conditions.

4.3 The test described is applicable to any bicompartmental knee design, including mobile bearing knees that have mechanisms in the tibial articulating component to constrain the posterior movement of the femoral component and a built-in retention mechanism to keep the articulating component on the tibial plate.