The use of porous corundum ceramics in spinal surgery

Abstract

Between 1987 and 1991 the spine was stabilised in 205 patients using corundum ceramic implants. The radiological results were assessed with a follow up of from 6 to 24 months and were graded as good in 81%. Poor results were not due to the implanted material, but were usually caused by failure to obtain full correction of the deformity at operation. Porous ceramic implants produce better radiological results, with a decrease in operating time and a reduced risk of infection.

Ceramics and ceramic coatings in orthopaedics

“…Porosity in thermally sprayed HAp coatings is governed by plasma conditions [191] and can vary from about 2% to greater than 10% [192,193]. A broad range of porosity can also be engineered into most ceramics for use as arthrodesis devices, scaffolds, or bone substitutes [21,105,[194][195][196][197]. In summary, the amount of porosity within an implant is an important design parameter.…”