Abstract:
Objective:To discuss the biocompatibility and biomechanics properties of novel 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA)/nano-scale β-TCP degradable cervical fusion cage. Methods:The computer-assisted design (CAD) system and 3D printer were used to design and fabricate the personalized goat cervical fusion device and the endplate matching was evaluated and analyzed. The biocompatibility of 3D printed fusion device was tested by cell experiment. The biomechanical stability of 3D printed cage was analyzed after being implanted into the goat cervical spine. Results:The matching degree of 3D printed cage was significantly higher than that of autologous bone, Wego cage, and Solis cage (P<0.05). The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in cell viability between pure PLA materials and 3D-printed PLA/nano-β-TCP composites. On the left and right sides of the flexion and rotation of the ROM, 3D printed composite fusion device were less than the autologous iliac, Wego cage, and Solis cage, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In the flexion ROM, although the 3D printed fusion device was less than the autogenous iliac bone (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference with the Wego cage, and Solis cage. In the posterior ROM, there was no significantly difference between 3D printed fusion device and autologous iliac, Wego cage, or Solis cage. Conclusions:The 3D printed PLA/nano-scale β-TCP degradable cervical fusion device showed good biocompatibility and mechanical stability, which indicating a promising clinical application prospect.