Resorbable posterolateral graft containment in a rabbit spinal fusion model

Area of Science:

• Spinal surgery
• Biomaterials science
• Orthopedic research

Background:

• Posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion is a common surgical procedure.
• Enhancing fusion mass volume is critical for successful spinal fusion outcomes.
• Current methods for graft containment have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a resorbable graft containment device in a rabbit posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion model.
• To determine if the device enhances spinal fusion mass volume.
• To assess the impact of the device on fusion mass structure.

Main Methods:

• Twenty rabbits underwent posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion.
• Animals were divided into four groups: autologous bone graft (ABG), ABG with containment device (ABG + MP), demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and DBM with containment device (DBM + MP).
• Fusion mass was assessed at 6 weeks using radiography and volumetric computed tomography.

Main Results:

• The graft containment device was associated with significant enhancement of fusion mass volume.
• A statistically significant increase in fusion mass volume was observed for both ABG + MP (p = 0.027) and DBM + MP (p = 0.043) groups compared to their respective controls.
• The device also led to alterations in the fusion mass structure.

Conclusions:

• A bioabsorbable graft containment device effectively enhances posterolateral spinal fusion mass volume.
• The device shows promise as an adjunct to improve spinal fusion rates.
• Further research is warranted to explore its clinical applications.