Metal debris from titanium spinal implants

Study Design. A prospective study of tissue surrounding spinal instrumentat ion was performed using histologic and chemical analysis. Objectives. To identify and quantify the amount of metal debris generated b y titanium pedicle screw instrumentation and to evaluate the histologic res ponse in the spinal tissues. Summary of Background Data. Microscopic metal particles from the soft tissu e surrounding joint arthroplasties have been shown to activate a macrophage response that leads to bone resorption and increased inflammation. The use of titanium spinal implants for spine surgery projects the possibility of generating wear debris in the spine. Methods. Nine patients with titanium instrumentation from a prior lumbar de compression and fusion procedure who were undergoing reoperation were enter ed into this study. Tissue samples were collected from areas near the pedic le screw-rod junction, the scar tissue overlying the dura, and the pedicle screw holes, Metal levels for titanium were determined by electrothermal at omic absorption spectroscopy, and histologic analysis was performed by ligh t and electron microscopy. Results. Tissue concentrations of titanium were highest in patients with a pseudarthrosis (30.36 mu g/g of dry tissue). Patients with a solid fusion h ad low concentrations of titanium (0.586 mu g/g of dry tissue). Standard li ght microscopy identified metal particles in the soft tissues. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated macrophages with numerous secondary lysos omes containing electron-dense bodies and collagenous stroma with electron- dense rod-like profiles consistent with metal debris. Conclusions, Wear debris is generated by the use of titanium spinal instrum entation in patients with a pseudarthrosis. These particles activate a macr ophage cellular response in the spinal tissues similar to that seen in surr ounding joint prostheses, Patients with a solid spinal fusion have negligib le levels of particulate matter.