The porcine spine has been considered as a good model for spinal fusion. Little testing has been carried out on porcine spines and therefore a need exists to establish the baseline properties and function of intact specimens under physiological conditions. The development of a system to collect data on intact specimens is required. Capability of modification of the testing system to perform comparative studies on fused and also instrumented specimens in the future is desirable.

An experimental apparatus was assembled and a protocol was established for testing intact porcine L2-L5 segments in compression, and compression in combination with flexion, extension, or lateral bending. Testing was performed in the operational range and to failure. A method was developed to calculate the orientation and position of the vertebral body local co-ordinate system using seven points digitised on each vertebra. Finally, a computer program was created to calculate 3D Cardan angles and displacements of L3 with respect to L4. Forces and moments were recorded in three directions using an AMTI™ 6-axis load cell.

Five porcine L2-L5 segments were tested using the mentioned apparatus to develop the protocol. Results showed that the apparatus is capable of inducing the required loading with some small off-axis forces and moments. Results also indicated that the computer program worked successfully. The Optotrak™ system was shown to be appropriate for recording 3D position data and load cell signals during spine testing. Finally, the method for determining the vertebral body origin and local co-ordinate system using seven digitised points could be used as an alternative to radiographic methods.