[Intervertebral biopolymer implant for arthrodesis. A study of 45 cases]

The B.O.P. biocopolymer is a bioresorbable, biocompatible product which can ossify. It has been used in 45 spinal arthrodesis, 42 times in cervical region but three in lumbar spine. The authors report their results after a follow-up period of 8 to 28 months. Persistent cervical pain has been noted in 9 cases. This was the most important postoperative complaint. Graft ossification has nevertheless been observed only in 40% of cases, as proved by simple X rays or/and scanner examination over a 26 months period. An osseous overproduction with posterior osteophytes could otherwise be observed. The authors remains cautious about using moreover this kind of graft, at least in its actual presentation, though the clinical results can be compared with these obtained with osseous autograft.