The impact of collagen sponge composite bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in inducing interbody fusion

To assess the effectiveness of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the induction of interbody fusion.

The 3rd generation BMSCs were seeded on collagen sponge scaffold and cultured in osteoblast induction medium for 3 weeks to prepare cell-scaffold complex. Thirty patients were randomly divided into three groups to establish the L4/L5 interbody fusion model. The cell-scaffold complex was implanted in the intervertebral space in group I, the collagen sponge scaffold was implanted in group II, and the autologous iliac crest spongy bone was implanted in group III. Palpation, radiography, micro-CT, and histology were performed on the 12th weeks after operation to evaluate osteogenesis and spinal fusion.

BMSCs differentiated into osteoblasts in the cell-scaffold complex after osteogenic induction for 3 weeks. The spinal fusion rates in group I, II, and III were 40%, 0%, and 70%, respectively. Micro-CT and histological examination showed mature bone marrow and trabecular bone formation in the fusion segments. The new bone was integrated with the upper and lower vertebral body. The bone trabecula in group III was stronger than group I. The surgical segments in group II was scar tissue without collagen sponge residue.

BMSCs can induce osseous fusion in the lumbar vertebra.