METAL RELEASE FROM TI-6AL-4V POSTERIOR CERVICAL SPINE PLATES: A COMPUTATIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN THE CANINE MODEL

摘要

The use of Ti-6A1-4V for spinal implants has increased due to its advantageous mechanical properties, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with MRI procedures. The release of metal ions or particulates, which can result from mechanical loads imposed on the implant, can affect the degree of biocompatibility of spinal implants, possibly influencing their clinical performance. In this project, the titanium metal release from Ti-6Al-4V posterior cervical spine plates was examined using a computational and experimental approach in the canine model. The in vivo titanium metal release from plates implanted in four canines at the C4-C5 level was determined using atomic emission spectroscopy techniques. The highest titanium levels (>100 ppm dry weight) were found in tissue samples closest to the screw-plate interfaces. The retrieved implants showed the highest amounts of surface damage at the screw-plate interfaces. The histological evaluation of tissues showed a normal fibrous response with the presence of titanium particulates.