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Use of graft materials and biologics in spine deformity surgery: a state-of-the-art review

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the current review is to summarize the current evidence on graft materials used in fusion procedures for spinal deformity corrections.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant published observational studies and clinical trials using osteobiologics and biomaterials in spinal deformity surgery.

Results

The use of autograft in deformity correction surgeries has been reported in a limited number of studies, with the harvest sites including iliac crest, ribs, and local bone. Various allografts and biologics have been used in the treatment of spinal deformities including idiopathic and degenerative scoliosis, either as stand alone or in combination with autograft. Limited number of studies reported no differences in fusion rates or outcomes. Use of rh-BMP2 in anterior, posterior or front/back approaches showed higher fusion rates than other graft materials in patients with spinal deformities. Due to the limited number of quality studies included in the review, as well as alternative factors, such as costs, availability, and surgeon expertise/preference, no definitive conclusion or recommendations can be made as to the ideal graft choice in spinal deformity surgery.

Conclusions

Most commonly used grafts included autograft, allograft and rh-BMP2, with new biologics and biomaterials constantly emerging in the market. Limited number of high-quality comparative studies and heterogeneity in study design prevented direct comparisons that can lead to meaningful recommendations. Further studies are needed to prove superiority of any single graft material and/or biologic that is also cost-effective and safe.

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KEC: contribution to the study design, drafted a section of the manuscript, approved final version, agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. MKM: contribution to acquisition and analysis, drafted a section of the manuscript, approved final version, agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. ZF: contribution to acquisition and analysis, drafted a section of the manuscript, approved final version, agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. ES: contribution to acquisition and analysis, drafted a section of the manuscript, approved final version, agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. ZB: contribution to study design, acquisition, drafted and critically revised the manuscript, approved final version, agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. JCW: contribution to study design, critically revised the manuscript, approved final version, agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Zorica Buser.

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There are no conflicts of interest in this study. Disclosures outside of submitted work: ZB-consultancy: Cerapedics (past), Xenco Medical (past), AO Spine (past); Research Support: SeaSpine (past, paid to the institution), Medical Metrics (past, paid directly to institution), Next Science (past, paid directly to institution); North American Spine Society: committee member; Lumbar Spine Society: Co-chair Education committee, AOSpine Knowledge Forum Degenerative: Associate member; AOSNA Research committee—committee member; JCW—Royalties—Biomet, Seaspine, Synthes; Investments/Options—Bone Biologics, Pearldiver, Electrocore, Surgitech; Board of Directors—AO Foundation, American Orthopaedic Association; Fellowship Funding (paid to institution): AO Foundation.

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Chang, KE., Mesregah, M.K., Fresquez, Z. et al. Use of graft materials and biologics in spine deformity surgery: a state-of-the-art review. Spine Deform 10, 1217–1231 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-022-00529-1

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