Newly Published Data Demonstrate Bone In-Growth Potential of Stryker’s 3D-Printed Tritanium® Cage

- Comparative animal study found significant differences in biomechanical and histologic performance among various interbody cage materials
- Results showed that Stryker’s 3D-printed porous Tritanium cages achieved statistically significant increases in bone in-growth

Stryker’s Spine division today announced the publication of a pre-clinical animal study comparing the performance of spinal implants made from a variety of materials, which illustrated the bone in-growth and biological fixation capabilities of its 3D-printed Tritanium cages. The study was published in the July issue of The Spine Journal.

The purpose of the study was to compare the bone in-growth and biomechanical differences of interbody cages with various material technologies in an ovine lumbar interbody fusion model. The cages involved in this study included traditional PEEK cages, plasma-sprayed titanium-coated PEEK cages, and Stryker’s 3D-printed porous Tritanium cages.¹

The results demonstrated that the Tritanium cages exhibited significantly greater total bone volume within the graft window at both 8 and 16 weeks compared to the PEEK cages (p<0.01).¹ Tritanium cages also were the only cages that showed a decrease in range of motion and an increase in stiffness across all three loading directions (axial rotation, flexion-extension, and lateral bending) between the 8-week and 16-week time points (p-value <0.01).¹

“The results of this study provide an evidence-based approach to decision-making regarding interbody materials for spinal fusion, as there is significant variability in the materials commonly used for interbody cages in spine surgery,” said Sigurd H. Berven, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at the University of California, San Francisco. “The study showed the potential for bone in-growth into and around the Tritanium cages.”

According to Michael Carter, vice president and general manager of Stryker’s Spine division, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, allows the creation of a material with “precisely randomized”² porous structures designed to mimic bone.² “Stryker’s proprietary Tritanium Technology, a novel, highly porous titanium alloy material designed for bone in-growth and biological fixation, is based on additive manufacturing techniques for orthopaedic surgery pioneered by Stryker over 15 years ago,” Carter said. “This important study reinforces the value of our growing line of Tritanium interbody cages and demonstrates Stryker’s commitment to bringing the latest in advanced technologies to our customers.”

The study titled “Bony Ingrowth Potential of 3D Printed Porous Titanium Alloy: A Direct Comparison of Interbody Cage Materials in an In Vivo Ovine Lumbar Fusion Model,” can be accessed here.

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. More information is available at stryker.com and builttofuse.com. Follow the Spine division on Twitter @stryker_spine.

References
1. McGilvray, Kirk C., et al. Bony ingrowth potential of 3D printed porous titanium alloy: a direct comparison of interbody cage materials in an in vivo ovine lumbar fusion model, Spine J. 2018; Volume 18, Issue 7, 1250-1260.
2. Karageorgiou V, Kaplan D. (2005) Porosity of 3D biomaterial scaffolds and osteogenesis. Biomaterials, 26, 5474-5491.

Dr. Berven is a paid consultant of Stryker. His statements represent his own opinions based on personal experience and are not necessarily those of Stryker. Individual experiences may vary. A surgeon must always rely on his or her own professional clinical judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product when treating a particular patient. Stryker does not dispense medical advice and recommends that surgeons be trained in the use of any particular product before using it in surgery.The information presented is intended to demonstrate the breadth of Stryker product offerings. A surgeon must always refer to the package insert, product label and/or instructions for use before using any Stryker product. Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory and/or medical practices in individual markets. Please contact your Stryker representative if you have questions about the availability of Stryker products in your area.