Abstract
Introduction:Posterolateral spondylodesis with transpedicular internal fixation is a well documented method in the treatment of acute vertebral fractures in the lower thoracic and lumbar area. This method includes autogenous bonegrafting. The grafts are usually harvested from the posterior iliac crest through a separate incision and placed across the decorticated transverse processes. However the bone harvesting procedure increases blood loss and postoperative morbidity in these patients. Several studies suggest that BG has biocompatible, bone bonding and osteoconductive properties and may act as extraskeletal fusion material in spinal fusions. Methods: Sixteen patients with acute vertebral fracture underwent spondylodesis with internal fixation. Autogenous bone chips were placed on the decorticated transverse processes of the patints left hand side and 15 gr of BG were placed contralaterally. The fusion status was determined radiologically by plain radiographs and computer tomography three, six and twelve months postoperatively. The autogenous grafts served as internal controls for the BG grafts. Results: The fusion rate between the transverse processes filled with bone grafts was 100% and the fusion rate between processes with BG was 80% after six months follow-up. During that six months period there was no statistical difference in any parameter studied. There were no deep infections nor implant failures. Conclusions: On the basis of this study BG can be used as an additional material for spinal fusions.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
