Integral Fixation Titanium/Polyetheretherketone Cages for Cervical Arthrodesis: Evolution of Cage Design and Early Radiological Outcomes and Fusion Rates

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the initial outcomes of a composite cage with integral fixation using the Redmond titanium (Ti)/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) device. Methods: Data from 50 consecutive patients were prospectively collected from a single senior surgeon cohort. All cages were between 5 and 8 mm in height, and were packed with supercritical CO2 sterilized allograft. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months, and implant complications were assessed. Results: From the original cohort, three were unavailable for follow-up. Forty-seven patients with a total of 58 operative levels were observed for a mean of 7.9 months. A fusion rate of 96% was achieved. Good to excellent outcomes were seen in 92% of patients. There were no cases of implant Ti/PEEK delamination or implant failure, with excellent early fusion rates using supercritical CO2 allograft. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the development of a composite ACDF cage design that is a safe and effective treatment option with the potential for early osseointegration and interbody fusion. Supercritical CO2 sterilized allograft was an effective graft material supporting fusion.