Comparison of 3D-printed titanium-alloy, standard titanium-alloy, and PEEK interbody spacers in an ovine model.

Background Context: Osseointegration is a pivotal process in achieving a rigid fusion and ultimately a successful clinical outcome following interbody fusion surgery. Advancements in 3D printing technology permit commonly used titanium interbody spacers to be designed with unique architectures, such as a highly interconnected and specific porous structure that mimics the architecture of trabecular bone. Interbody implants with a microscale surface roughness and biomimetic porosity may improve bony ongrowth and ingrowth compared to traditional materials.

Self-powered therapeutic release from conducting polymer/graphene oxide films on magnesium.

Magnesium's complete in vivo degradation is appealing for medical implant applications. Rapid corrosion and hydrogen bubble generation along with inflammatory host tissue response have limited its clinical use. Here we electropolymerized a poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and graphene oxide (GO) film directly on Mg surface.