Novel 3D printed lattice structure titanium cages evaluated in an ovine model of interbody fusion

Background The use of intervertebral cages within the interbody fusion setting is ubiquitous. Synthetic are predominantly manufactured using materials such as Ti and PEEK. With advent additive manufacturing techniques, it now possible to spatially vary complex 3D geometric features devices, enabling devices match stiffness native tissue better promote bony integration. To date, impact surface porosity additively on outcomes has not been investigated. Thus, objective this work was determine effect implant endplate body architecture lattice structure titanium fusion. Methods Biomechanical, microcomputed tomography, static dynamic histomorphometry, histopathology analyses were performed twelve functional spine units obtained from six sheep randomly allocated or groups. Results Nondestructive kinematic testing, tomography analysis, histomorphometry revealed positive in both These data similar results groups, with exception bone-in-contact which significantly improved values group compared group. Conclusion Both porous cage designs resulted increased PEEK illustrated by nondestructive motion analyses. While provided for outcomes, these suggest boney contact an may be impacted nature adjacent vertebral endplates.