Does osteogenic spinal instrumentation enhance spinal fusion? 5 observations

Spine

St. Louis, Mo.-based Washington University School of Medicine researchers analyzed feasibility of osteogenic instrumentation for interbody fusion in vivo, in a study published in Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. The study compared osteogenic instrumentation to standard spinal instrumentation with autograft for interbody fusion.

The study involved instrumented single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion with autologous graft performed at L4-5 in goats, using osteogenic spinal instrumentation (plus electrical stimulation) and standard spinal instrumentation (without electrical stimulation).

 

The researchers killed the goats at three months or six months to examine their lumbar spines for radiographic analysis using a SOMATOM Dual Source Definition CT Scanner and high-resolution Microcat II CT Scanner, measuring Trabecular continuity; radiodensity within the fusion mass; and regional bone formation.

 

Here are five observations:

 

1. The researchers found the osteogenic spinal system's electroactive pedicle screws focally improved bone density in instrumented vertebral bodies.

 

2. The CT scans revealed the osteogenic spinal system promoted solid bony fusion across the L4–5 disc space, some as early as six weeks post-operation.

 

3. The standard spinal instrumentation with autograft didn't induce successful interbody fusion at six months postoperatively.

 

4. The study found osteogenic spinal instrumentation enhances interbody fusion through the focal delivery of direct current electrical stimulation.

 

5. The researchers noted with further analysis, osteogenic spinal instrumentation may present an alternative to biological scaffolds and pharmaceutical adjuncts for spinal fusion procedures.

 

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