Comparison of polyetheretherketone versus silicon nitride intervertebral spinal spacers in a caprine model

Journal article (2019)

Authors

R.F.M.R. Kersten Diakonessehuis Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht
Gang Wu Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Universiteit van Amsterdam
B. Pouran University Medical Center Utrecht, Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
A.J. van der Veen Amsterdam UMC
Harrie Weinans University Medical Center Utrecht, Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
A. de Gast Diakonessehuis Utrecht
F. Cuhmur Oner University Medical Center Utrecht
S.M. van Gaalen Diakonessehuis Utrecht
Research Group
Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Silicon nitride Osseointegration Caprine animal model Interbody cage Polyetheretherketone
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Biomechanical Engineering

Research Group

Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is commonly used as a spinal spacer for intervertebral fusion surgery. Unfortunately, PEEK is bioinert and does not effectively osseointegrate into living bone. In contrast, comparable spacers made of silicon nitride (Si3N4) possess a surface nanostructure and chemistry that encourage appositional bone healing. This observational study was designed to compare the outcomes of these two biomaterials when implanted as spacers in an adult caprine model. Lumbar interbody fusion surgeries were performed at two adjacent levels in eight adult goats using implants of PEEK and Si3N4. At six-months after surgery, the operative and adjacent spinal segments were extracted and measured for bone fusion, bone volume, bone-implant contact (BIC) and soft-tissue implant contact (SIC) ratios, and biodynamic stability. The null hypothesis was that no differences in these parameters would be apparent between the two groups. Fusion was observed in seven of eight implants in each group with greater bone formation in the Si3N4 group (52.6%) versus PEEK (27.9%; p = 0.2). There were no significant differences in BIC ratios between PEEK and Si3N4, and the biodynamic stability of the two groups was also comparable. The results suggest that Si3N4 spacers are not inferior to PEEK and they may be more effective in promoting arthrodesis.

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