Table

Advantages and disadvantages of implant surface technologies.

Surface MaterialAdvantagesDisadvantages
Interbody
 Titanium/HA-coated titanium/other surface-treated titaniumStrong biomechanical profile, biocompatible, and well studiedHigh stiffness increases risk of subsidence
 Titanium-PEEKGood fusion profile and radiolucent on imagingPoor wear resistance, limited clinical data, and risk of delamination
 PEEKRadiolucent and biomechanical profile similar to native bonePoor wear resistance, inferior fusion rate relative to auto/allograft, and fibrous scar formation
 Silicon nitrideLow infection risk and good osseointegrationHigh cost, limited clinical data, and brittle
 TantalumHigh fusion rate/biocompatibilityRadiopaque, difficult machining, and high cost
Pedicle Screws
 Roughened titaniumImproved osseointegration and pullout thresholdLacking human clinical data
 HA-coated screwsImproved osseointegration and pullout thresholdLacking long-term randomized controlled trials
 Carbon-fiber-PEEKRadiolucent with reduced artifact in postoperative imagingHigh cost and low availability; similar risk of loosening compared with traditional screws
 Gold nanoparticleImproved osseointegrationLacking human clinical data
 Silver nanoparticleDecreased risk of infectionLacking human clinical data
  • Abbreviations: HA, hydroxyapatite; PEEK, polyetheretherketone.