In vivo experimental study of cervical intervertebral fusion cage / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the characteristics of intervertebral fusion using autologous tricortical iliac crest graft, Harms cage and Carbon cage in the goat cervical spine models. Methods Twenty-four goats underwent C3-4 discectomy and intervertebral fusion, the later was achieved each with 8 goats by the following methods: Group 1, autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft; Group 2, Harms cage filled with autologous iliac crest graft; Group 3, Carbon cage filled with autologous iliac bone graft. Radiography was performed pre- and post- operatively and after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At the same time points, disc space height (DSH), intervertebral angle (IVA), and lordosis angle (LA) were measured. After 12 weeks, the goats were killed and fused segments were harvested. All cervical fusion specimens underwent histomorphological studies. Results One week after operation, the DSH, IVA and LA of Carbon cage fused group were statistically greater than those of autologous iliac bone graft and Harms cage fused group (P