RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 What standards can (and can't) tell us about a spinal device JF International Journal of Spine Surgery JO Int J Spine Surg FD International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery SP 178 OP 183 DO 10.1016/j.esas.2009.11.001 VO 3 IS 4 A1 Jove Graham A1 Bradley T. Estes YR 2009 UL http://ijssurgery.com//content/3/4/178.abstract AB Standards are important tools in evaluating and predicting the performance of medical devices prior to implantation. There are three types of standards that are available: a material specification, a standard test method, and a standard test guide. Each of these types of standards is defined with examples of how each is used to facilitate evaluation of medical devices. The standards development process is also described: this is a complex process, requiring the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, usually consisting of engineers, scientists, and clinicians who represent healthcare, academia, government, and industry. Finally, standards have a clear and defined role in the development of medical devices, and the benefits, strengths, as well as the limitations in this role are discussed.