Standard Specification for Neurosurgical Head Holder Devices

1.1 This specification covers standards a manufacturer shall meet in the performance testing of neurosurgical head holder devices (skull clamps).

1.2 This specification covers neurosurgical head holder devices (skull clamps) made of metal (nonradiolucent) as well as neurosurgical head holder devices (skull clamps) made of plastic material (radiolucent).

1.3  This specification represents the best currently available test procedures and is a minimum safety and performance standard.

1.4 This specification covers only those neurosurgical head holders (skull clamps) intended for use on humans for neurosurgical and spinal clinical applications. This specification assumes the user is well trained in the procedures and use of these devices including selection of the correct device type and accessories.

1.5 This specification describes those devices commonly known as skull clamps and accessories, such as skull pins, attachments, and various adaptors.

1.6 This specification only describes head holder devices that provide rigid skeletal fixation of the skull by means of three skull pins that penetrate the outer surface or outer layers of the patient’s head during neurosurgical or spinal procedures (compare with Ref (1)).2 Two pins are typically located in a two-pin rocker, whereas the force delivery component is equipped with a single pin.

1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 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.

1.9 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.