Guidelines for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 16: bone graft extenders and substitutes.

Daniel K. Resnick, Tanvir F. Choudhri, Andrew T. Dailey, Michael W. Groff, Larry Khoo, Paul G. Matz, Praveen Mummaneni, William C. Watters, Jeffrey Wang, Beverly C. Walters, Mark N. Hadley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite the large volume of animal data regarding the use of synthetic bone graft substitutes or extenders, there are very few data regarding the use of these substances for fusion in lumbar degenerative disease. The best available data indicate that rhBMP-2 is a viable alternative to autograft bone for interbody fusion procedures. This same substance may also be a viable alternative to autograft for PLF; however, definitive medical evidence is not yet available. There is little, if any, medical evidence to support the use of other biological agents at the present time. As promising new compounds are brought to market, well-designed cohort studies and randomized trials will be required to determine the actual usefulness of these compounds in clinical practice. It is important not to generalize the results obtained with one preparation or application to different preparations or applications. The use of synthetic calcium phosphate ceramics as graft extenders appears to be reasonable in certain situations. The medical evidence available regarding their use is limited and of poor quality. Further study will be required to establish their utility for use in spinal fusion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)733-736
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of neurosurgery. Spine
Volume2
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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