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Metal debris from titanium spinal implants
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. jwang@mednet.ucla.edu
Spine
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Titanium spinal instrumentation generates wear debris, particularly in patients with pseudarthrosis. This metal particle accumulation triggers a macrophage response in spinal tissues, unlike solid fusions where levels are negligible.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Biomaterials
- Orthopedic research
Background:
- Microscopic metal particles from joint arthroplasties can cause inflammation and bone resorption.
- Titanium spinal implants may generate similar wear debris in spinal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify metal debris from titanium pedicle screw instrumentation.
- Evaluate the histologic response to this debris in spinal tissues.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 9 patients undergoing reoperation for spinal instrumentation.
- Histologic and chemical analysis of tissue samples near instrumentation.
- Titanium levels measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Microscopic analysis using light and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Elevated titanium concentrations (30.36 µg/g) found in patients with pseudarthrosis.
- Negligible titanium levels (0.586 µg/g) in patients with solid fusion.
- Metal particles and macrophage activation observed in soft tissues via microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Titanium spinal instrumentation generates wear debris in cases of pseudarthrosis.
- This debris elicits a macrophage response in spinal tissues.
- Solid spinal fusion is associated with minimal particulate matter.