The use of coral for cervical interbody arthrodesis (IBA) and vertebral body excision

Summary The value of using biomaterials and especially coral in cervical spinal surgery is linked to a desire to eliminate the disadvantages associated with the taking of bone grafts in arthrodeses. A chemical, microscopic, biomechanical and clinical study of coral from 1970 has shown the value of this material, whose structure resembles that of bone, and which degrades completely to be replaced by newly-formed bone. Our initial results in 20 cases confirmed these findings by studying the progress of the coral: its good clinical tolerance, and its excellent radiologic incorporation without modification of spinal statics. Subsequently 83 cases have ben treated with this biomaterial, of which 45 were followed up. The results are satisfactory from both the clinical viewpoint (technques of transdiscal osteophytectomy) and the biomechanical aspect.