Bone graft fusion in goat model implanted with anterior cervical-adjustable fusion fixator after anterior cervical corpectomy: An observation of outcome / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the bone graft fusion of goat cervical model implanted with anterior cervical-adjustable fusion fixator(AC-AFF), laying a foundation for future studies. Methods: Eighteen experiment goats were implanted with AC-AFF, titanium mesh and autogenous iliac bone combined cervical plate after corpectomy. Six months later, the fused cervical spine vertebrae were collected, prepared, and observed grossly, under microscope, by X-ray photographs and CT scan; the fusion of the graft was evaluated. Meanwhile, the fusion of AC-AFF with the adjacent vertebral surface was observed. Results: All the experiment animals survived after operation; all the implants were stable, without displace or loosening. The interface where the titanium or AC-AFF contacts the vertebral body surface was bulged and ossified. All iliac bone graft fused well and a great deal of bony callus was found covering the vertebral body surface. Lucency area was not seen surrounding the bone graft, titanium and AC-AFF on the X-ray films, and there was new bone formation in the interface of internal fixation and bone. The central region of titanium and AC-AFF became vague and new bone formation was found in the intracavitary area of implants by CT scan. And part of the new bone transited the parietal reticulation and connected with normal ossea at titanium and AC-AFF. A large number of phoroblasts and chondrocytes were found microscopically in the bone fusion sites in all cases; however, the region without bony callus still existed in the titanium mesh lateral wall. Conclusion: There are no differences in bone fusion between AC-AFF with titanium mesh and autogenous iliac bone combined cervical plate. New phoroblasts and chondrocytes can be generated in the bone graft interface. AC-AFF has been proven as an important method for cervical stability reconstruction after decompression operation.