Mesh cages for spinal deformity in adults

Correction of deformity including restoration of sagittal plane malalignment in patients with spinal disorders is facilitated by placement of structural allografts and cages into the anterior column. The effectiveness of these implants will be reviewed with a focus on anterior column implantation of titanium mesh cages. In a consecutive study of adult patients who had spinal fusions for sagittal plane deformities using structural titanium mesh cages, cage status, fusion status, and outcome were assessed. Followup ranged from 24 to 62 months (average, 33 months). No cage failure of extrusion was observed. The average segmental improvement in lordosis with cage implantation was 11° with a loss of correction of less than 1° at latest followup. No radiographic gold standard for fusion assessment with metallic implants in the anterior column could be found in the literature. The use of radiographic techniques for fusion assessment and functional outcome data for patients with implanted titanium mesh cages will be discussed.