Plasmapore-Coated Titanium Cervical Cages Induce More Rapid and Complete Bone Fusion After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion as Compared to Noncoated Titanium Cages

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the solid bone fusion rates between Plasmapore-coated titanium cages (PPC group) and non–Plasmapore-coated titanium cages (N-PPC group) in patients who received anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF).MethodsOf 78 patients who received ACDF at the hospital, a follow-up period greater than 2 years was possible for 61 patients, including 30 in the PPC group and 42 in the N-PPC group. Evaluations were performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Radiological stabilization (RS) was defined as the restriction of spinous process movement to <3 mm and the absence of a halo around the cages on flexion-extension radiographs. Solid bone fusion (SBF) was defined as the formation of bony bridges between the fixed vertebral bodies in sagittal computed tomography sections. The rates of RS and SBF were compared between both groups.ResultsThe differences in RS were not significant between the 2 groups during the follow-up period. However, the SBF rates at 6 and 12 months were significantly higher in the PPC group (26.7% and 56.7%) than in the N-PPC group (5% and 21.4%). Moreover, 63.3% (19 of 30) of patients in the PPC group demonstrated RS at 3 months, and of these patients, SBF was observed in 100% (19 patients) after 24 months, respectively. In comparison, the SBF rates in the N-PPC group were 86%.ConclusionsPlasmapore-coated titanium cages enabled more rapid solid bone fusion. We suggest that these types of cages might help to reduce postoperative radiograms.