This International Standard describes a test method for determining the bending strength and stiffness of straight bone plates. It may also be used to test plates having a small initial curvature intended to produce pre-loading of the bone when fitted and to test the straight portion of angled plates. This test method is not recommended for plates of length less than 50 mm nor for plates designed to be used with, or forming parts of, intramedullary devices. NOTE 1 A test method for plates of length less than 50 mm is in preparation.