Biomechanical Evaluation of a Standalone Lumbar Interbody Cage with Integrated Screws

INTRODUCTION: Spinal fusion techniques including anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) have been used to alleviate chronic low back pain and segmental instability. Supplemental fixation using pedicle screws, translaminar screws, facet screws, anterior plates or spinous process plates is often used to increase the stability of the ALIF construct to enhance fusion and prevent subsidence and migration of the standalone cage. However, these traditional fixation methods often require additional posterior surgery and/or increased anterior exposure leading to increased complications and poor clinical outcomes. ALIF devices with integrated screws provide the opportunity to provide stable fusion constructs, eliminating the need for additional exposure and potentially allowing for standalone use.