Abstract
Objective
In recent years, Cage/SyCages or titanium mesh cages with interbody fusion have become a common surgical treatment for patients with cervical spondylosis and traumatic lesions. However, numerous complications have been reported, including hardware failure or breakage, which necessitate reoperation, and complications at the bone graft site. To improve upon the existing traditional titanium mesh cage, we designed a new pterygo-shaped titanium mesh cage (PTMC).
Methods
We designed a biomechanical study to assess the relative rigidity provided by the PTMC system using cadaveric cervical spine models. Early outcome assessments of patients undergoing anterior cervical decompression and stabilization with the described technique also were performed. Eight fresh human cadaver spine segments from C1 to C7 were loaded nondestructively with pure moments in a nonconstraining testing apparatus to induce flection, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, whereas angular motion was measured optoelectronically.
Results
The biomechanical results indicated that the PTMC provided effective stabilization for the unstable cervical segments in the eight cadavers (P < 0.01). Device displacement, prolapse, or collapse did not occur after surgery in any of the 27 adult patients that were followed postoperatively for 24–30 months (average 27.4 months).
Conclusions
The PTMC exhibited excellent biomechanical performance. It provided immediate stabilization and also avoided device displacement, prolapse, or collapse. Moreover, harvesting of iliac bone was not required.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by grants from the Foundation of the Hunan Provincial Health Department (No. B2007105). The new pterygo-shaped titanium mesh cage (PTMC) obtained a national patent certificate (No. 200620052134.9).
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Wang, Ls., Wang, Xj., Wang, Wj. et al. Design, biomechanical study, and clinical application of a new pterygo-shaped titanium mesh cage. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 22, 111–117 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-011-0817-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-011-0817-7