Abstract.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) in granular form to achieve dorsal spondylodesis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Twenty-eight patients underwent surgical correction and were followed up for 13±8 (range 6–33) months. Posterolateral grafting was performed, using either autograft bone mixed with allograft bone (n=19; "bone group") or autograft bone mixed with 25 g TCP (n=9; "TCP group"). Patients were followed by clinical examination, X-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans to measure bone mineral density. Fusion involved 12±1 (range 10–14) vertebrae. The segments were fused after 6±1 months in both groups according to the radiographs. No pseudarthrosis was observed. Bone mineral density was 430±111 (range 273–629) mg/cm3 in the TCP group versus 337±134 (range 130–669) mg/cm3 in the bone group. Resorption of TCP was complete on the radiographs after 8±2 (range 6–10) months. Based upon the results of this small preliminary study, the use of TCP appears to be a valuable alternative to allografts for application in the spine, even when large amounts of bone are needed.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Muschik, M., Ludwig, R., Halbhübner, S. et al. β-tricalcium phosphate as a bone substitute for dorsal spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: preliminary results of a prospective clinical study. Eur Spine J 10 (Suppl 2), S178–S184 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s005860100271
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s005860100271