Newer ceramic pin technology may not meet the expected minimum performance standards set by metallic material, which can cause a higher failure rate, according to a study published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques.
Patient data from Harborview Medical Center in Seattle was reviewed to assess the outcomes in patients who were treated with a halo using ceramic pins compared to the metallic pins. There were 44 out of 307 patients who received ceramic pins.
Researchers reported complications in 40.9 percent of the patients with ceramic pins versus the 21.7 percent of patients who received metal pins. Aseptic loosening rates were 13.7 percent in the ceramic group and 8.3 percent in the metallic group. Pin site infections were 27.3 percent in the ceramic group and 13.3 percent in the metallic group.
The higher complication rates in patients with ceramic pins could be due to the changes made to the halo vest and pin design owing to the inherent mechanical property limitations of MRI-capable materials.
Read the abstract for "Infectious Pin Complication Rates in Halo Vest Fixators Using Ceramic Versus Metallic Pins."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: Spinopelvic Alignment Important in Reducing Pain in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients
- Study: Use Intraoperative Electrophysiological Monitoring During Spine Surgery for Best Outcomes
- Study: Long Fusions to the Sacrum Among the Most Common Reasons for Instrumentation=Related Complications During Spine Surgery
Patient data from Harborview Medical Center in Seattle was reviewed to assess the outcomes in patients who were treated with a halo using ceramic pins compared to the metallic pins. There were 44 out of 307 patients who received ceramic pins.
Researchers reported complications in 40.9 percent of the patients with ceramic pins versus the 21.7 percent of patients who received metal pins. Aseptic loosening rates were 13.7 percent in the ceramic group and 8.3 percent in the metallic group. Pin site infections were 27.3 percent in the ceramic group and 13.3 percent in the metallic group.
The higher complication rates in patients with ceramic pins could be due to the changes made to the halo vest and pin design owing to the inherent mechanical property limitations of MRI-capable materials.
Read the abstract for "Infectious Pin Complication Rates in Halo Vest Fixators Using Ceramic Versus Metallic Pins."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: Spinopelvic Alignment Important in Reducing Pain in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients
- Study: Use Intraoperative Electrophysiological Monitoring During Spine Surgery for Best Outcomes
- Study: Long Fusions to the Sacrum Among the Most Common Reasons for Instrumentation=Related Complications During Spine Surgery