Biomechanical Study of a Novel, Expandable, Non-Metallic and Radiolucent CF/PEEK Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR).

Vertebral body replacement is well-established to stabilize vertebral injuries due to trauma or cancer. Spinal implants are mainly manufactured by metallic alloys; which leads to artifacts in radiological diagnostics; as well as in radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical data of a novel carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) vertebral body replacement (VBR).

A Sandwich Technique for Prevention of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea and Reconstruction of the Sellar Floor after Microsurgical Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a well-known complication of transsphenoidal surgery. Several autologous and artificial grafts have been used to close the sellar floor in an attempt to prevent postoperative CSF rhinorrhea.

Objective: To evaluate and describe a sandwich technique to close the sellar floor using autologous bone, absorbable gelatin sponge, and coated collagen fleece.