A Level 2 study recently published in Spine examines whether bone marrow concentrate with allograft is equivalent to autograft in lumbar fusions.
Author Robert G. Johnson, MD, examined 25 patients who underwent one- to three-level lumbar fusions in this prospective, randomized study. Allograft plus autologous bone marrow concentrate was used on half of the spine and autologous iliac crest bone was used on the other half. The patients were examined up to one year postoperatively.
Dr. Johnson found no substantial difference in fusion scores between the two methods in the lateral gutters, interbody cages or facet joints. He also reported a positive trend between CD34+ counts and radiographical fusion.
More Articles on Spine Surgery:
10 Factors in Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions After Lumbar Spine Surgery
Dr. Thomas Ellis Performs Spine Surgery on Texas Senator Wendy Davis
5 Spine & Neurosurgeons & Practices for Professional Soccer Teams