Efficacy of silicate-substituted calcium phosphate ceramic in posterolateral instrumented lumbar fusion

Retrospective review of a consecutive, nonrandomized series operated on by 2 surgeons.

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of a silicated hydroxyapatite ceramic as a bone graft substitute in a series of patients undergoing posterolateral instrumented lumbar fusion.

Newer-generation synthetic ceramics have been refined to maximize their host-graft interaction and stimulation of new tissue formation, including silicate-substitution.

An independent radiologist interpreted the computed tomography images at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Forty-two patients with 1- or 2-level lumbar degenerative disorders underwent posterior laminectomy (when indicated) and posterolateral fusion with instrumentation. Surgical levels included 15 patients who underwent 2-level and 27 single-level fusion procedures (57 levels operated on in total).

The average back pain scores improved from 5.6 ± 2.5 preoperative to 2.1 ± 2.5 at follow-up (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen with leg pain improvement from 5.8 ± 2.5 to 1.4 ± 1.9 (P < 0.05). At 6 months, 35% of levels revealed fusion, which increased to 76.2% and 76.5% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. No evidence of ectopic bone formation or osteolysis was noted.

In this study, a silicated calcium phosphate-based ceramic has been shown to be effective as a graft substitute and eliminate the need for autogenous iliac crest bone graft. The results confirm radiographic healing in posterolateral instrumented lumbar fusion at 24-months follow-up. The clinical outcomes also substantiate significant pain improvement consistent with published data in the literature compared with other bone graft alternatives.