Revision Spinal Surgery for Posterior Migration of Tantalum Cage: Tips and Tricks

The porous property of tantalum metal coupled with its high frictional surface and biocompatibility has made it an ideal biomaterial to facilitate bony fusion. This biomaterial is not unfamiliar to surgeons as it has been utilized with good clinical outcomes in arthroplasty. The usage of tantalum cages in spine surgery has gained traction. Complications resulting from the use of tantalum cage in lumbar fusion surgery were rarely reported. Here the authors would present a case of revision spinal surgery where the tantalum cage underwent migration from the previous posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. We further discuss ways to prevent such complications, precautions, tips, and tricks that could help other surgeons while dealing with this complication.