Fast Fatigue Testing of Spinal Implant Systems by the Load Stage Product (LSP)‐Test Method

The LSP test method was used to compare various surface treatments of spinal rods for dorsal spine implant systems. This test method allowed a fast testing. Result were given after one or two weeks in comparison to 6 to 8 months. Rods made of two different cp‐Titanium materials ( Ti‐2 and Ti‐4) were tested. Best results with a LSP value of 167 Mio. were achieved with Ti‐4 material, shot peened with steel balls and glass beads. In comparison the lowest LSP value showed 81 Mio with Ti‐2 material shot peened with glass beads only. This kind of high speed testing reduced the typical development period from two years to at least 6 months.