1.1 This practice covers a procedure for the fatigue testing of metallic femoral hip prostheses used in hip joint replacements. This practice covers the procedures for the performance of fatigue tests on metallic femoral hip stems using a cyclic, constant-amplitude force. It applies to hip prostheses that utilize proximal metaphyseal fixation and are of a modular construct, and it is intended to evaluate the fatigue performance of the modular connections in the metaphyseal filling (that is, proximal body) region of the stem.

1.2 This practice is intended to provide useful, consistent, and reproducible information about the fatigue performance of metallic hip prostheses while held in a proximally fixated manner, with the distal end not held by a potting medium.

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

1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 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.