Moderator: Wellington Hsu, MD; Christina Goldstein, MD, FRCSC
As the use of interbody cages for the treatment of spinal disorders grows, interest in novel biomaterials has steadily increased amongst surgeons and researchers alike. Because the incidence of pseudarthrosis requiring reoperations remains high, surface technology improvements that could increase bony ingrowth and incorporation are in high demand. This symposium reviews the latest and greatest data available to help spine surgeons in their decision making for choice of interbody cages.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various biomaterials for use in the production of interbody cages for the treatment of spinal disorders;
- Describe the role of surface modifications, additional coatings and surface topography in maximizing interbody cage performance in relation to bony ingrowth and incorporation;
- Recognize the technology and proposed advantages of 3D printing of structural interbody cages;
- Debate the relative importance of material versus surface topography in interbody cage performance.
Agenda
Introduction: The Evolution of Structural Interbody Cages
Wellington Hsu, MD
PEEK
Christina Goldstein, MD
Metal
Wellington Hsu, MD
Ceramics/Silicon Nitride
Brandon Lawrence, MD
3D Printing of Structural Cages
Zorica Buser, PhD
What is More Important? The Surface Topography vs the Material
Barbara Boyan, PhD
Discussion