Preliminary clinical experience with polyetheretherketone cages filled with synthetic crystallic semihydrate form of calcium sulfate for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

This retrospective study of twenty-four patients investigates the efficacy of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages filled with STIMULAN for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures. None of the patients experienced any complications such as adverse effects to the implanted materials, cage failure or migration. The fusion rate at 12 months follow-up was 92.6%, with no cage migration, extrusion, or breakage reported in the postoperative follow-up period. The clinical outcomes (assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS)) indicated significant pain improvements in both arm and neck. This study demonstrates the use of STIMULAN with PEEK cages is a safe and effective alternative to autologous iliac bone grafts in the treatment of anterior cervical surgery, showing positive clinical and radiographic outcomes. The abstract and full paper can be read here.