Effect of Sandblasting Process on 3D Printed Intervertebral Cage.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• 3D printed porous titanium alloy scaffolds are used for spinal interbody fusion.
• The inherent bio-inertness of titanium alloys limits bone-implant integration.
• Surface modification is crucial to enhance the bioactivity of these scaffolds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the sandblasting process for 3D printed titanium alloy spinal cages.
• To improve the bioactivity and bone bonding of intervertebral fusion devices.
• To achieve uniform surface roughness for enhanced osseointegration.

Main Methods:

• Sandblasting treatment using alumina sand grains on cervical and lumbar titanium alloy cages.
• Optimization of sandblasting parameters including grain size, distance, pressure, and time.
• Evaluation of sandblasting effect uniformity and adequacy on scaffold surfaces.

Main Results:

• Optimized sandblasting parameters achieved an adequate and uniform sandblasting effect.
• The process involved 100 mesh alumina sand grains, a 10 cm distance, 0.4-0.5 MPa pressure, and 15-20 s duration.
• Surface roughness induced by sandblasting is expected to enhance scaffold bioactivity.

Conclusions:

• Sandblasting is an effective method to improve the bioactivity of 3D printed titanium alloy spinal cages.
• Optimized sandblasting parameters promote better bone-implant bonding for spinal fusion.
• This surface treatment holds promise for structural reconstruction of bone defects in spinal surgery.