Abstract
Similar mechanical properties to native bone, excellent biocompatibility and osseointegration are key factors for interbody fusion cage. In the present study, porous Ti6Al4V cage with computer designed macro- and micro-architecture was reproduced by selective laser melting (SLM). Dense Ti6Al4V discs with six different angles were fabricated to investigate the effects of additive angle (inevitable in SLM manufacturing) on surface properties and biocompatibility. As angle increased, both surface roughness and hydrophobicity increased due to increases in the number of unmelted metallic particles. In the early stage of cell culture, more elongated MC3T3E1 cells were observed at higher additive angle, but cell adhesion and proliferation with different angle did not show statistically differences. Bullet-shaped Ti6Al4V cage with opened window, porosity of 70% and pore size of 600 μm revealed elastic modulus of 0.51 ± 0.04 GPa and ultimate compressive strength of 94.7 MPa at 0.29% strain, which is comparable with the commercialized polyetheretherketone cage. In vivo evaluation of Beagle tibia model through histological analysis showed that the cylindrical porous body with same porosity and pore size achieved similar bone ingrowth as commercialized porous tantalum implant at 4 and 12 weeks, indicating SLM fabricated porous Ti6Al4V cage holds great potential for spinal fusion.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
