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Interbody Lumbar Fusion Using a Carbon Fiber Cage Implant Versus Allograft Bone: An Investigational Study in the Spanish Goat Interbody Lumbar Fusion Using a Carbon Fiber Cage Implant Versus Allograft Bone: An Investigational Study in the Spanish Goat Interbody lumbar fusion using a CFRP cage implant packed with autologous bone achieved at least partial radiographic and histologic fusion in five of five animals killed at 12 months, and full fusion in three of three animals killed at 24 months. Interbody fusion with ETO-sterilized allograft achieved fusion in one of three animals at 6 months, two of three at 12 months, and five of five at 24 months. Fusion success was statistically greater (P = .017) with the carbon cage at 6 months. Plain radiographs, reformatted CT, and histologic interpretation of fusion showed complete correlation in all animals, except in the presence of incomplete or partial fusion. However, the plain radiographs were the most difficult and subjective regarding interpretation. There was no systemic or local toxicity to the implant material and no migration of carbon debris, indicating excellent biocompatibility of the CFRP implant. Back to Papers and Presentations |
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