ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to analyze the radiologic fusion rate in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using silicon-containing porous hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) chips packed within a cage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent PLIF using Si-HA (BoneMedik-S(TM); Meta-Biomed, Cheongju, Korea) blocks packed within a cage were enrolled. PLIF was performed in the same manner in all patients. A cage filled with Si-HA was inserted into disc space. Serial X-rays and 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) were performed for evaluation of the fusion status. RESULTS: At postoperative 12 months, 11 cases showed grade IV and one case showed grade III on X-rays. At postoperative 24 months, all cases showed grade IV (complete fusion). Assessment of fusion by 3D-CT also showed grade I in all cases at postoperative 12 months. CONCLUSION: Considering the above results, Si-HA packed in a cage appears to be an effective bone graft material for use in PLIF.