Clinical outcomes for lumbar fusion using silicon nitride versus other biomaterials.

Background: In lumbar fusion surgery, intervertebral spacer cages made of silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic are an available option among other biomaterials. While the surface chemistry of SiN is known to favor bone fusion, large-scale clinical studies attesting to its efficacy are lacking. This multicenter retrospective study compared lumbar fusion outcomes for SiN cages to previously reported data for other cage materials.

Clinical outcomes for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with silicon nitride spine cages: a multicenter study.

Background: Intervertebral spacers made of silicon nitride (SiN) are currently used in cervical and thoracolumbar fusion. While basic science data demonstrate several advantages of SiN over other biomaterials, large-scale clinical results on its safety and efficacy are lacking. This multicenter retrospective study examined outcomes for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using SiN cages.