A finite element analysis of comparision study on mechanical changes in cage-endplate interface between titanium mesh cages with or without augmentation of internal end ring system after anterior cervical corpectomy

Abstract

Objective To study the mechanical changes in cage-endplate interface between titanium mesh cages with or without augmentation of internal end ring system after anterior cervical corpectomy by finite element analysis. Methods Based on the intact finite element model (FE/Intact) ,two models were generated by simulating anterior cervical titanium mesh fusion cage and plate after C5 corpectomy according to the applied titanium mesh cage conditions ;? 10 mm titanium mesh cage without internal end ring (S-) and ?10 mm titanium mesh cage with internal end ring (S + ). von Mises stress of seven parts on the superior and inferior cage-endplate interface was comparatively analyzed between model with S-and model with S + after loading of each model being simulated using multidirectional moment loads of 1.8 Nm combined with a compressive preload of 80 N in compression, flexion and extension. Results The stress on the superior (7.61,8.23,9.97) Mpa and inferior cage-endplate interface (5.43,5.74,6.88) Mpa in the model with S-was bigger than that (10.65,11. 59,14. 27 and 7.46,8. 12,10.04) Mpa in the model with S + under the three loading conditions. Conclusion A titanium mesh cage with internal end ring produces a significant decrease of the cage-endplate interface stress and lower incidence of titamium mesh cage subsidence after anterior cervical corpectomy. Key words: Cervical spine; Corpectomy; Endplate; Titanium mesh cage