Work

Microscopic and Biomechanical Analysis of PEEK Interspinous Spacers for Spinal Fusion Applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Spinal fusion is a surgical intervention used to join two or more vertebrae in the spine. An often-used method involves the placement of intervertebral spacers. They are commonly composed of biocompatible materials like polyetheretherketone. It has strength, longevity, and the capacity to interact harmoniously with the human body. Standardized mechanical tests were performed on two distinct implants to assess their biomechanical characteristics. The studies were conducted at a velocity of 2 mm/min. The stopping criteria were determined based on the loads sustained by the 50th percentile. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the implants was assessed using Raman spectroscopy. The implant created via subtractive manufacturing has a significant change in its elastic region at a force of 1300 N, and it begins subsidence when vertebrae are subjected to a load of 1500 N. The integration of microscopic characterization techniques with the mechanical analysis of prostheses in numerous case studies facilitates the biomechanical evaluation of implants.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18030679

Authors: Elliot Alonso Alcántara-Arreola, Aida Verónica Rodríguez-Tovas, José Alejandro Hernández-Benítez, Christopher René Torres-SanMiguel

Institution: Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Language: English

Topic: Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137