Comparison of polyetheretherketone versus silicon nitride intervertebral spinal spacers in a caprine model.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is commonly used as a spinal spacer for intervertebral fusion surgery. Unfortunately, PEEK is bioinert and does not effectively osseointegrate into living bone. In contrast, comparable spacers made of silicon nitride (Si N ) possess a surface nanostructure and chemistry that encourage appositional bone healing.

Temporary Segmental Distraction in a Dog with Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis.

Objectives:  Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) is characterized by intervertebral disc degeneration and causes lower back pain in dogs. Temporary distraction in rabbit models with induced intervertebral disc degeneration showed signs of intervertebral disc repair. In the present study, we assessed safety and efficacy of temporary segmental distraction in a dog with clinical signs of DLSS.

The SNAP trial: a double blind multi-center randomized controlled trial of a silicon nitride versus a PEEK cage in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar disc disorders: study protocol.

Background: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages have been widely used in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disorders, and show good clinical results. Still, complications such as subsidence and migration of the cage are frequently seen. A lack of osteointegration and fibrous tissues surrounding PEEK cages are held responsible.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages in cervical applications: a systematic review.

Background Context: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages have been widely used during the past decade in patients with degenerative disorders of the cervical spine. Their radiolucency and low elastic modulus make them attractive attributes for spinal fusion compared with titanium and bone graft. Still, limitations are seen such as pseudoarthrosis, subsidence, and migration of the cages.

Habitual physical activity after total knee replacement.

Background: Previous studies on physical activity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) concentrated mainly on a return to sports activities.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the habitual physical activity behavior of people who had undergone TKA (TKA group) 1 to 5 years after surgery and to examine to what extent they adhered to international guidelines for health-enhancing physical activity. Additional aims were to compare younger (<65 years old) and older (≥ 65 years old) people as well as men and women in the TKA group and to compare the results for the TKA group with those for a sex- and age-matched normative population (normative group).

After total knee arthroplasty, many people are not active enough to maintain their health and fitness: an observational study.

Questions: What proportion of people after total knee arthroplasty adheres to the physical activity regimen recommended for maintenance of health (moderate intensity physical activity for at least 30min on 5 days/week)? What proportion adheres to the activity regimen recommended to improve fitness (vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 20min on 3 days/week)? What factors are associated with adherence to these recommendations?

Design: An observational study.

Participants: 830 adults who underwent a total knee arthroplasty between 2002 and 2006 at University Medical Center Gronigen or Martini Hospital Gronigen, the Netherlands.

Outcome Measures: The Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (SQUASH) was used to measure the physical activity behaviour of the participants.