Biphasic calcium phosphate contained within a polyetheretherketone cage with and without plating for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the properties of a combination bone graft consisting of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage in one- and two-level surgery.

METHODS

Over a 12-month time period, a prospective single surgeon series of 75 patients were included in the study and 58 patients selected based on adequate data points. From these 58 patients, 32 were supplemented with anterior plate fixation and 26 patients without plating. Duration of clinical follow-up was a mean of 12.4 months (range, 6-26 months) in the Plated Group and 10.5 months (range, 6-21 months) in the Non-Plated Group.

RESULTS

A 100% fusion rate with nil graft related complications was achieved in the Plated group compared with 96.2% fusion and 11.5% subsidence rates reported in the Non-Plated group. Patients in both groups experienced statistically significant improvement in pain and functional outcomes compared to their pre-operative status; however, there was no significant difference in outcome between the Plated and Non-Plated Groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic contained within a PEEK cage is an effective implant for use in anterior cervical surgery with high fusion rates and good clinical outcome.