The article discusses an exploratory analysis of a Discocerv cervical disc implant, which consists of a caudal zirconia cup and a cephalic alumina head. The surfaces of both components were examined for surface roughness and the presence of titanium debris. The average surface roughness was similar for both components and showed the removal of local peaks. Dark grey marks on the surfaces were identified as titanium debris, which may explain the presence of metallosis during explantation. Additionally, there was evidence of zirconium transfer to the alumina surface. The findings from this analysis provide valuable insights into the performance and potential issues of this type of medical implant
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : most experienced day surgery hospital in UK
Published article
Explant analyses are key to better understanding the effectiveness of medical implants in replacing natural joints. For the first time, an explanted Discocerv cervical disc was examined. The implant utilised the articulation of a caudal zirconia cup (inferior component) and a cephalic alumina head (superior component). The articulating surface of the superior alumina head had an average surface roughness of 0.016 ± 0.003 μm (Sa) and the articulating surface of the inferior zirconia cup had an…
Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Explant analyses are key to better understanding the effectiveness of medical implants in replacing natural joints. For the first time, an explanted Discocerv cervical disc was examined. The implant utilised the articulation of a caudal zirconia cup (inferior component) and a cephalic alumina head (superior component). The articulating surface of the superior alumina head,
Abstract
Explant analyses are key to better understanding the effectiveness of medical implants in replacing natural joints. For the first time, an explanted Discocerv cervical disc was examined. The implant utilised the articulation of a caudal zirconia cup (inferior component) and a cephalic alumina head (superior component). The articulating surface of the superior alumina head had an average surface roughness of 0.016 ± 0.003 μm (Sa) and the articulating surface of the inferior zirconia cup had an average surface roughness of 0.015 ± 0.002 μm (Sa). Both articulating surfaces had negative skewness, indicating the removal of local peaks. The difference between the average surface roughness of the components was not significant (p-value: 0.741). Dark grey marks were observed on both of the articulating surfaces, which were found to be adhered titanium debris that was generated due to component impingement. This titanium debris may explain the small amount of metallosis that was reported at explantation. Some transfer of zirconium to the alumina articulating surface was also seen.
Keywords: Alumina-on-zirconia; Biotribology; Ceramic-on-ceramic; Cervical disc replacement; Discocerv cervical disc; Explant analysis.
The London Spine Unit : most experienced day surgery hospital in UK
Read the original publication:
Explant analysis of a Discocerv cervical disc: A case study for a ceramic-on-ceramic cervical disc