Porous titanium-coated polyetheretherketone implants exhibit an improved bone-implant interface: an in vitro and in vivo biochemical, biomechanical, and histological study.

Purpose: Spinal interbody fusion cages are designed to provide immediate stabilization for adjoining vertebrae and ideally enable bony ingrowth to achieve successful integration. For such an implant, cells must be able to attach, move, grow, and differentiate on its surface. These cellular interactions are dependent on how the implant surface enables the coating and binding of blood and tissue fluid proteins that support cell adhesion.