This specification covers unfabricated and fabricated forms of high purity hydrated calcium sulfate hemihydrate or dihydrate for surgical implants. The requirements of this specification apply to calcium sulfate combined with two molecules of water or two calcium sulfate molecules with one water mole but does not include calcium sulfate anhydrite and calcium sulfate forms that contain reinforcing phases, medicaments, biological agents, and other such additives. All covered materials should conform to the requirements for set time, compressive strength, and in vitro degradation.

1.1 This specification covers material requirements for unfabricated and fabricated forms of hydrated calcium sulfate intended for surgical implants. Fabricated forms may include pressed and cast surgical implants in various geometric shapes. The calcium sulfate hemihydrate in the unfabricated form can be converted with the addition of water or other water-containing solutions to a fabricated calcium sulfate dihydrate form.

1.2 The requirements of this specification apply to calcium sulfate combined with two molecules of water or two calcium sulfate molecules sharing one water molecule.

Approximate chemical formulae:

1.3 This specification specifically excludes calcium sulfate anhydrite and calcium sulfate forms that contain additives such as reinforcing phases, medicaments, biological agents, and so forth.

1.4 The presence of processing aids does not exclude a product from the physical and mechanical requirements of this specification.

1.5 Some provisions of Specification C 59/C 59M and Test Methods C 472 apply. Special requirements that are detailed in this specification are included to characterize the material which will be used in surgical implants.

1.6 The biological response to calcium sulfate in bone tissue has been well characterized by a history of clinical use (1-14) and by laboratory studies (15-18).

1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Sections 4, 5, and 6, of this specification. 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 requirements prior to use.