Bone Union Rate Following Instrumented Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion: Comparison between Demineralized Bone Matrix...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Spinal Surgery
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Limited clinical trials compare demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and hydroxyapatite (HA) for posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF).
• Understanding the comparative efficacy of bone graft extenders is crucial for optimizing spinal fusion outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the fusion rates of posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) using demineralized bone matrix (DBM) versus hydroxyapatite (HA) as bone graft extenders.
• To evaluate secondary outcomes including pain, function, and infection rates between DBM and HA groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 79 patients undergoing instrumented PLF.
• Patients were divided into two groups: DBM (n=38) and HA (n=41).
• Primary outcome was fusion rate assessed radiographically at one year; secondary outcomes included pain, disability, and infection.

Main Results:

• One-year postoperative fusion rates were 73% for DBM and 58% for HA, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.15).
• No significant differences were observed between the groups for secondary outcomes such as pain, functional status, or infection rates.

Conclusions:

• Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) offers noninferior outcomes compared to hydroxyapatite (HA) for posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF).
• DBM presents a notable and effective alternative bone graft material for spinal fusion procedures.