A hollow cylindrical nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide composite strut for cervical reconstruction after cervical corpectomy

This retrospective study included 35 patients who had a nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide (n-HA/PA) composite strut implanted for cervical reconstruction and fusion after corpectomy from 2006 to 2008. The average follow-up period was 38.5 months (range: 24-48 months). The Japanese Orthopedic Association score and visual analog pain scale score were significantly improved and maintained to the last follow-up. The cervical curvature and the height of fused segments were also corrected significantly and retained to the last follow-up. A total of 94.3% of patients had achieved radiographic bony fusion at the postoperative 24-month follow-up. One patient presented with subsidence of the n-HA/PA composite strut and dislodgement of the screws, but the patient had no discomfort and no additional surgery was needed. We conclude that the n-HA/PA composite strut is scientifically and technically sound for cervical reconstruction and interbody fusion after corpectomy with anterior plate fixation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.