Resorbable posterolateral graft containment in a rabbit spinal fusion model.

ABSTRACT

OBJECT The authors studied the effect of a resorbable graft containment device in a rabbit posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion model. METHODS: Twenty rabbits were divided into four groups autologous bone graft (ABG), ABG with the MacroPore containment device (ABG + MP), demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and DBM with the containment device (DBM + MP). Fusion mass was assessed at 6 weeks with high-resolution radiography and volumetric computerized tomography. The graft containment device was associated with alteration of the fusion mass structure and significant enhancement of fusion mass volume (ABG versus ABG + MP, p = 0.027; DBM versus DBM + MP, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: A bioabsorbable protective graft containment device successfully enhanced posterolateral spinal fusion mass volume.