title: Mechanical evaluation of novel spinal interbody fusion cages made of bioactive, resorbable composites.
abstract: Osteoconductive and totally bioresorbable spinal/cervical interbody fusion cages were fabricated from a forged composite of raw particulate hydroxyapatite/poly L-lactide (u-HA/PLLA) with an u-HA 40wt% fraction (F-u-HA 40). The mechanical strengths of three types of cages, designed for open-box, screw and cylinder constructs, were compared with those of existing metal and carbon-fiber/polymer cages. Compressive strengths of these composite cages surpassed those of existing metal and carbon-fiber cages. Fatigue resistance to alternate and static compressive loading persisted for longer than the minimum period (6 months) necessary for spinal devices in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 degrees C. These novel interbody fusion cages await clinical application in humans.
authors.affiliation: Takiron Co., Ltd., 2-3-13, Azuchi-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0052, Japan. sikinami@takiron.co.jp
authors.forename: Yasuo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shikinami
authors.forename: Masaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okuno
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D019245:Compressive Strength; D017886:Durapatite; D004548:Elasticity; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D011091:Polyesters; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D019415:Torque; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide); D017886:Durapatite