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The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate and bone marrow aspirate as a bone graft substitute in posterior lumbar interbody fusion

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Abstract

Purpose

Due to the disadvantages of iliac crest bone and the poor bone quality of autograft gained from decompression surgery, alternative filling materials for posterior lumbar interbody fusion cages have been developed. β-Tricalcium phosphate is widely used in cages. However, data regarding the fusion rate of β-TCP assessed by computer tomography are currently not available.

Materials

A prospective clinical trial involving 34 patients (56.7 years) was performed: 26 patients were treated with single-level, five patients double-level and three patients triple-level PLIF filled with β-TCP and bone marrow aspirate perfusion, and additional posterior pedicle screw fixation. Fusion was assessed by CT and X-rays 1 year after surgery using a validated fusion scale published previously. Functional status was evaluated with the visual analogue scale and the Oswestry Disability Index before and 1 year after surgery.

Results

Forty-five levels in 34 patients were evaluated by CT and X-ray with a follow-up period of at least 1 year. Clinically, the average ODI and VAS for leg and back scores improved significantly (P < 0.001). CT assessment revealed solid fusion in 12 levels (26.67 %) and indeterminate fusion in 15 levels (34.09 %). Inadequate fusion (non-union) was detected in 17 levels (38.63 %).

Conclusion

The technique of PLIF using β-TCP yielded a good clinical outcome 1 year after surgery, however, a high rate of pseudoarthrosis was found in this series therefore, we do not recommend β-TCP as a bone graft substitute using the PLIF technique.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Martin Thaler, Ricarda Lechner & Michaela Gstöttner

  2. Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Health Economics, Innsbruck Medical University, Schoepfstr 41, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Conrad Kobel

  3. St. Remigius Krankenhaus Leverkusen, An St. Remigius 26, 51379, Leverkusen, Germany

    Christian Bach

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  1. Martin Thaler
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  2. Ricarda Lechner
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  3. Michaela Gstöttner
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  4. Conrad Kobel
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  5. Christian Bach
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martin Thaler.

Additional information

M. Thaler and R. Lechner contributed equally to this work.

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Thaler, M., Lechner, R., Gstöttner, M. et al. The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate and bone marrow aspirate as a bone graft substitute in posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Eur Spine J 22, 1173–1182 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2541-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2541-3

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