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Carbon Fiber Cages: Complications and Strategies Carbon Fiber Cages: Complications And Strategies Carbon Fiber (Brantigan) cages were introduced to the United States on 2/2/99 following FDA approval. From that date through 3/8/01, 377 cages were implanted into 191 patients. These patients were specifically reviewed for particular identifiable complications relative to cage insertion. 32 complications, which were directly related to cage insertion, were identified. These are further classified into major and minor complications. The complications were categorized as to technical error of insertion; improper preoperative planning; cage failure; root or dural complications,; and ancillary complications, such as pedicle screw displacement and bony fractures. During this three-year period with a minimum of two-year follow-up, various complications regarding cage insertion were identified. Most problems were directly related to technique and cage placement. The other significant are of complication was failure of ancillary, (pedicle screw) fixation. There were no identifiable primary cage failures. All complications were directly related to placement during insertion and the failure of the cages to fully heal. Back to Papers and Presentations |
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