Intermediate
Technical
IVT
interbody cage
Structural implant placed in the disc space to maintain height and facilitate fusion.
Full Definition
A hollow or perforated spinal implant designed to be inserted into the disc space following discectomy to restore or maintain vertebral height and provide structural support during fusion. Interbody cages are manufactured from various materials including titanium, PEEK, or carbon fiber, and may be packed with bone graft material to promote osseointegration. The cage design allows for load-sharing with the vertebral endplates while creating space for bone growth through and around the device to achieve solid fusion.
Usage
Usage note: Specify material composition and size when documenting. May be preceded by approach descriptor (TLIF cage, ALIF cage).
In Context
- "A titanium interbody cage packed with autograft was inserted at the L5-S1 level." — operative report
- "The interbody cage maintained excellent disc height restoration at 12-month follow-up." — outcome documentation
Also known as
fusion cage
vertebral spacer
Don't confuse with
bone graft
spacer