Effect of bioabsorbable calcified triglyceride on spinal fusion in a rodent model

Autogenous bone grafting has traditionally been considered the "gold standard" for spinal fusion. However, the associated morbidity and limitations of autogenous bone grafts have prompted the search for bone graft alternatives, such as a bioabsorbable-calcified triglyceride (BCT). We aimed to assess the capability of BCT in a rat spinal fusion model. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats underwent lumbar fusion surgery: Group 1 rats were implanted with an autograft from the iliac crest; Group 2 rats were implanted with BCT; and Group 3 rats were implanted with BCT and autograft. In Group 2, 66.7% of rats and in Group 3, 83.3% of rats, were judged to have undergone complete fusion. Only 25% of rats in Group 1 showed bridging bone from the transverse processes with some gaps. Our study demonstrated that osteoconductive BCT is a promising autograft extender when applied as an adjunct to spinal fusion.