ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of demineralized bone matrix as a bone graft extender in lumbar posterolateral fusion with cases using an autogenous iliac bone graft. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Since demineralized bone grafts were introduced for bone graft extension in 1995, many types of demineralized bone matrices have been used with improved fusion rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2004 to December 2005, demineralized bone matrices were used as iliac bone graft extenders in 49 cases (Group I) of lumbar posterolateral fusion, compared with 50 cases receiving autogenous grafts (Group II) similar in age, bone marrow density, and number of fusion levels. Fusion status was graded by the Lenke classification and data was analyzed using a chi-square test through SPSS v.10.0. RESULTS: Group I had Lenke A in 7 cases (14.3%), B in 21 cases (42.9%), C in 15 cases (30.6%), and D in 6 cases (12.2%). Group II had Lenke A in 9 cases (18.0%), B in 26 cases (52.0%), C in 12 cases (24.0%), and D in 3 cases (6.0%). There was no statistical difference in fusion rate. CONCLUSION: Demineralized bone matrix could be used as a bone graft extender in lumbar posterolateral fusion.