Defining the indications, types and biomaterials of corpectomy cages in the thoracolumbar spine

Abstract

Osteomyelitis, tumors and fractures of the thoracolumbar spine comprise a wide spectrum of pathology of the anterior column that can be safely addressed with cages. Mesh cages have been traditionally used; however, expandable devices are gaining popularity due to better correction of sagittal deformity, less subsidence and technical advantages (easier to insert especially through a posterior approach and tighter fit). In addition, nonmetallic cages (poly-ether-ether-ketone/carbon fibers, hydroxyapatite and ceramics) offer some distinct advantages over titanium, being more inert/biocompatible, osteoconductive and radiolucent. Treatment is also shifted towards minimally invasive surgery, rendering corpectomy a far less-morbid operation than it used to be.

Keywords::

• cage
• corpectomy
• PEEK
• polymethylmethacrilate
• titanium

Financial & competing interests disclosure

FD Vrionis has received educational grants from Synthes and Globus Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.