Direct current stimulation of spinal interbody fixation device

摘要

A spinal fusion stimulator comprising an interbody fusion cage or other interbody fixation device adapted to be implanted in the intervertebral disc space of a patient's spine, the interbody fusion cage in the preferred embodiment having a hollow body with internal and external conductive surfaces. The stimulator includes a constant current generator connected to the interbody fusion cage and set to provide a DC current effective to produce a surface current density of at least 1 muA/cm2 in the interbody fusion cage when implanted.