Finite element analysis of double diamond lattice structured lumbar interbody fusion cage with different biomaterials

Purpose: In recent years, low back pain has emerged as a significant global health issue, largely attributed to the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD). This increases high demand on implant manufacturing due to the uniqueness of each patient's anthropometry. Which creates a surge in the implant design and its performance study. This work employed finite element analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Interbody cage fusion in combination with different biostructures and biomaterials. Methods: The Lumbar Model was created by incorporating a surgical implant cage that featured three different lattice architectures using Boolean operations. We constructed four models, one model that was not altered and three models that underwent surgical procedures. The surgical models consist of three types of lattice implants are double diamond (DD), double diamond centre support (DDCS), double diamond side support (DDSS). Results: The results indicate that the double diamond (DD) lattice-structured polyether ether ketone (PEEK) material implant experiences the most deformation, measuring 0.67 mm, when subjected to axial rotation motion. An analysis indicates the implant made with the DDCS lattice structure and Ti-6Al-4V material is subjected to the least stress - it stood at 75.47 MPa as the smallest stress level recorded. Conclusions: The result of endplate von mises stress shows the PEEK material with DDCS lattice structured implant have low stress. Ti-6Al-4V and Stainless steel having high stress of 20 MPa on endplates. Comparatively Ti-6Al-4V having very good response with literature data. These results are providing insights towards the selection of implant in future medical treatment.