Preliminary Experience Using a Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Cage in the Treatment of Cervical Disc Disease

Abstract

The PEEK cage provides solid fusion, increased cervical lordosis, and increased height and cross sectional area of the foramina. There are few complications associated with the use of this cage, and the functional and neurological outcomes are satisfactory. It also facilitates postoperative x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. The PEEK cage is therefore a good substitute for AICG fusion in patients with cervical disc disease.

Preliminary experience of titanium mesh cages for pathological fracture of middle and lower cervical vertebrae

“…However, use of triosite ceramic is associated with shortened hospital stays, reduced blood loss, and reduced operation times, and is not associated with donor site-related complications. 13,28 Axial CT and sagittal reconstructive CT scans are usually used to demonstrate growth of bone into the porous surface of the TMC. In the present study CT scans were performed in only 9 of 17 patients because of worsening prognoses or extremely short survival.…”

“…29 However, donor site-related morbidities following autograft harvesting, including herniation of abdominal contents, vascular injury, deep infections, neural injury, deep hematomas, and iliac wing fractures, are routinely reported. 28,29 In our previous experience with patients receiving iliac autograft interbody fusion, right iliac crest numbness and pain occurred routinely; both complications were observed to last for at least one week. These various complications significantly reduce quality of life during the post-operative period.…”

“…Radiolucent carbon fiber and polyether-etherketone (PEEK) cages are considered effective for providing early stability, correct interbody space height, cervical lordosis, and cross-sectional area of the foramina, as well as short operation times. [28][29][30][31][32] Furthermore, assessment of fusion by CT, MRI and X-ray radiotransparency is improved when PEEK and carbon fiber cages are used for interbody fusion. 28,32 Biomechanical analysis has revealed that carbon fiber cages are stronger than iliac autografts and are associated with improved fusion rates.…”

Polyetheretherketone as a biomaterial for spinal applications

“…In 2002, Senegas [21] reported that a PEEK interspinous system of non-rigid stabilization is efficacious against low-back pain due to degenerative instability. Recently, Cho et al [22] have evaluated PEEK cages for cervical disc disease in a group of 40 patients. They showed that the PEEK devices were able to facilitate stability and space maintenance during cervical fusions, increase cervical lordosis, and increase foraminal height [22].…”

“…Recently, Cho et al [22] have evaluated PEEK cages for cervical disc disease in a group of 40 patients. They showed that the PEEK devices were able to facilitate stability and space maintenance during cervical fusions, increase cervical lordosis, and increase foraminal height [22].…”