Comparison Between Allograft Mixed with Local Bone and Autograft in Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion

Cho, Kyu Jung; Lee, Jung Yoon; Oh, In Suk; Kim, Ryuh Sup; Mo, Yoo Chul

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the usefulness of allograft and compare the result of allograft mixed with local bone and autograft in posterolateral lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Allograft is used for the purpose of spinal fusion, especially in the scoliosis surgery. In some studies allograft is not recommended in posterior lumbar spinal fusion alone.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifteen patients underwent one level posterolateral lumbar fusion using freeze-dried allograft mixed with local bone. We compared them with twenty four patients using autogenous iliac bone graft mixed with local bone about radiographic fusion grading, duration of fusion and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
Radiographic fusion grading of allograft was 7 cases of grade 1, 5 cases of grade 2, 3 cases of grade 3, and grading of autograft was 21 cases of grade 1, 2 cases of grade 2, 1 cases of grade 3. Bone fusion was complete after 11.1 months in allograft and 6.7 months in autograft. Clinically, there were 4 excellent, 9 good, 2 fair cases in allograft and 10 excellent, 11 good, 3 fair cases in autograft.
CONCLUSIONS
Allograft was inferior to autograft in posterolateral lumbar fusion because allograft mixed with local bone reduced radiographic fusion grading and prolonged duration of bone fusion.