Journal of Spine

Hieu T Ball

Publications

• Research Article
  Accelerated Cervical Fusion of Silicon Nitride versus PEEK Spacers: A Comparative Clinical Study
  Author(s): Hieu T Ball, Bryan McEntire and Sonny Bal BHieu T Ball, Bryan McEntire and Sonny Bal B
  
  Introduction: The ideal material for the manufacture of cervical fusion cages used in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is undetermined. Spacers made of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) are commonly used, although metal and ceramic devices are also commercially available. This observational study compared outcomes of ACDF using two different biomaterial spacers (i.e., PEEK and silicon nitride, Si3N4). Methods: Twenty consecutive patients who underwent ACDF with Si3N4 were retrospectively compared to a group previously implanted with PEEK spacers. Patient demographics, neck pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the neck disability index (NDI) scores were recorded for all enrollees. Cervical radiographs, including flexion-extension views, were examined to determine fusion at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months post-operatively. Re.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2165-7939.1000396

  Abstract PDF