Histologically Confirmed Bone Formation in the Carbon Fiber Cage Implant

ABSTRACT

The authors report the first case of histologically confirmed bone formation in the carbon fiber cage implant which used in posterior lumbar interbody fusion. A case of degenerative lumbar disc desease was treated by posterior lumbar interbody fusion with carbon fiber cage implant and local bone from posterior decompression. One year after the operation the cage was migrated into the spinal canal and compressed dural sac and nerve root. The cage was removed and investigated by light microscope. The histologic examination revealed viable bony traveculae in the cage. This finding suggest autogenous bone in the cage has a biologic bone-growth function after interbody fusion.