Spine implant showdown: which material fuses best?

NCT ID NCT03649490

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Disease control Sponsor: NuVasive Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study follows 300 adults aged 18-80 who need spinal fusion surgery for degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis. It compares three types of interbody implants (PEEK, 3D-printed titanium, and another) used with bone graft material. Researchers will track how well the bones fuse over 24 months and whether patients report less pain and better function.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

spinal implant (PEEK or 3D-printed titanium) with bone graft

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could help surgeons choose the best implant material for spinal fusion, potentially improving fusion rates and reducing pain.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a randomized trial, so results may not prove one implant is better. Fusion success depends on many factors, and individual outcomes vary.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

intervertebral disk degenerative disorder lumbar disk degenerative disorder spondylolisthesis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Atlantic Brain and Spine

    Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401, United States

  • Columbia Orthopedic Group Research

    Columbia, Missouri, 65201, United States

  • Duke University

    Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

  • Evergreen Health

    Kirkland, Washington, 98034, United States

  • Hartford Healthcare Bone and Joint Institute

    Hartford, Connecticut, 06106, United States

  • Lyerly Neurosurgery

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32207, United States

  • OrthoCarolina

    Charlotte, North Carolina, 28207, United States

  • Orthopaedic Institute of Western Kentucky

    Paducah, Kentucky, 42001, United States

  • Rush University Medical Center

    Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

  • Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20814, United States

  • The Spine Clinic of OKC

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73114, United States

  • UT Health San Antonio

    San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

  • University of South Florida Department of Neurosurgery, Tampa General Hospital

    Tampa, Florida, 33606, United States

  • University of Virginia Health System

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States