The Design And Experimental Research Of Ni-Ti Shape Memory Expansion Mesh Cage

Objective We designed and manufactured Ni-Ti shape memory expansion mesh cage . The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical effect of Ni-Ti shape memory expansion mesh cage, and to compare the characteristics of interbody fusion achieved using SME-MC with those of an autologous tricortical iliac crest graft and TMC in a goat cervical spine model.Methods In the biomechanical study, 6 human cadower cervical spines (C2-7) were tested in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending using a nonconstrained testing apparatus. 6 human cervical spine specimens were divided into three groups: control group (intact specimen, IS), cervical Titanium mesh cage group (TMC), Ni-Ti shape memory expansion mesh cage (SME-MC). TMC and SME-MC were implanted after C4 corpectomy was performed. The TMC and SME-MC were supplemented with AO cervical anterior plate. The load-strain, load-displacement, strength and stiffness, ROM in neutral, flexion, extension, lateral bending and torsion were tested respectively. The axial stress of three groups was tested respectively. 18 goats underwent C4 corpectomy and intervertebral fusion in which the following were used: autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft (6 goats) ; TMC filled with autologous iliac crest graft (6 goats) ; SME-MC filled with autologous iliac bone (6 goats). All goats cervical spine were supplemented with cervical anterior plate after the grafts were implanted.