Interbody Cages: Surface Technologies in Spinal Implants.

J Bone Joint Surg Am · Jul 01 2026 · Review

Nassar JE, Ammar LA, Toavs TL, Kim J, Knebel A, Daher M, et al.

Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

Spine

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review of spinal interbody cage surface technologies concludes that while surface modifications like roughening and hydroxyapatite coatings improve osseointegration, no single material or coating has proven consistently superior clinically.
Abstract, as published

➢ Implant surface characteristics play a critical role in promoting osseointegration and long-term spinal fusion success. ➢ Titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are the most commonly utilized materials in interbody cages, each with distinct advantages and limitations. ➢ Surface modifications such as roughening, porosity, and hydroxyapatite coatings enhance osseointegration and early fusion outcomes. ➢ Emerging materials, including silicon nitride and porous tantalum, demonstrate favorable biological and mechanical properties but require further clinical validation. ➢ No single implant material or surface technology has shown consistent clinical superiority, highlighting the need for ongoing research and evidence-based selection.

Featured in the 2026-09-02 issue.

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