Qiang Yang, MD, PhD | Tianjin Hospital; Xinlong Ma, MD; Weijia William Lu, PhD; Chao Chen, MD, PhD; Xun Sun, MD, PhD; Hanming Bian, MD; Yuanzhi Weng, MSc
Competition Sponsor: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Awardee Year: 2024
Intervertebral fusion surgery is a common treatment for degenerative spinal diseases, but subsidence of fusion cages post-surgery, with an incidence rate of 15.9% to 70%, can lead to significant complications. Our project addresses this by developing 3D-printed porous titanium alloy cages that match the mechanical properties of the patient’s endplate. Using QCT software, we assess the bone density and elastic modulus of the endplate to design cages with corresponding mechanical characteristics. We offer two models: standardized cages with three porosity levels for different bone densities and personalized cages for patients with unique endplate mechanical properties, particularly for elderly with severe osteoporosis. The goal is to improve surgical outcomes, reduce cage subsidence, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and improve patient quality of life, while also reducing the medical burden on society.