Bone Union Rate Following Instrumented Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion: Comparison between Demineralized Bone Matrix versus Hydroxyapatite

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To compare the union rate of posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) using demineralized bone matrix (DBM) versus hydroxyapatite (HA) as bone graft extender. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE To our knowledge, there has been no clinical trial to compare the outcomes of DBM versus HA as a graft material for PLF. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data from consecutive 79 patients who underwent instrumented PLF. Patients who received DBM were assigned to group B (n=38), and patients who received HA were assigned into group C (n=41). The primary study outcome was fusion rate assessed with radiographs. The secondary outcomes included pain intensity using a visual analogue scale, functional outcome using Oswestry disability index score, laboratory tests of inflammatory profiles and infection rate. RESULTS: One year postoperatively, bone fusion was achieved in 73% in group B and 58% in group C without significant difference between the groups (p=0.15). There were no differences between the groups with respect to secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: DBM would provide noninferior outcomes compared to the HA as a fusion material for PLF, and could be a notable alternative.