3D printing of lumbar spine cages manufactured through: Finite element analysis and experimental validation

Abstract

Lower back pain is one of the most common problems amongst people in this fast-paced life, often caused by degenerative disc diseases in the lumbar region of the spine. Many conventional techniques are commercially available in order to manufacture spinal cages; however, three-dimensional (3D) printing provides the flexibility of creating patient-specific spinal cages depending on the patient’s condition. Indeed, solid cages provide the strength but lack in reducing stress-shielding; hence, creating a porous structure inside the spinal cages can help in reducing the stress shielding effect. In the present work, two cages (solid and Gyroid structure porous plif) have been made of titanium ELI grade by using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique. Compression and fatigue test has been performed in the simulated environment with the help of finite element analysis (FEA) and, thereafter, compared with the physical results. It has been found that Gyroid structured porous cage developed more concentration of the stress when compared to the solid cage; however, it efficiently reduced the stress shielding effect and will promote the bone in-growth.