3D-printed TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) implants

3D-printed TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) implants, showcasing their porous, lattice-based structures designed to enhance bone ingrowth and provide biomechanical stability.

What is a 3D-Printed TLIF Implant?

A TLIF implant, commonly referred to as a fusion cage, is used in spinal surgeries to stabilize vertebrae and support spinal fusion. When manufactured using additive manufacturing (3D printing), these implants exhibit highly customized geometries, internal lattices, and porous surfaces—features that conventional machining cannot achieve. These enhancements improve integration with bone (osseointegration), reduce implant subsidence, and optimize mechanical performance.

Key Benefits of 3D-Printed TLIF Spacers

Personalization & Anatomical Fit
Patient-specific cages can be designed from CT data to match a patient’s spinal anatomy precisely, reducing intraoperative adjustments and minimizing trauma.

Enhanced Osseointegration
Porous titanium structures (often Ti-6Al-4V) allow for bone in-growth and on growth, significantly improving the stability and fusion process when compared to traditional materials

Mechanical Integration
Advanced topology optimization creates designs that conform mechanically to bone, reducing stress concentrations and the risk of subsidence—in some cases by over 90% compared to standard cages

Promising Clinical Outcomes
Systematic reviews and case reports show improved surgical outcomes using 3D printed cages—featuring high rates of fusion, pain mitigation, and minimal complications (e.g., negligible migration or loosening)