Long-term Radiological and Clinical Outcomes After Using Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Concentrate Obtained With Selective Retention Cell Technology in Posterolateral Spinal Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell concentrate obtained with selective cell retention technology using Cellect with a particular collagen scaffold, Healos for posterolateral spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: With the increasing rate of spinal fusion, the problem of pseudarthrosis, which contributes to recurrent pain with patient disability, is considered to be the most common cause of revision lumbar spine surgery. Intensive research is being carried out to develop an alternative source of bone grafting and improve the spinal fusion rate. METHODS: A retrospective review of hospital records was performed. Identified patients were contacted to have a clinical and radiological evaluation follow-up. Clinical outcome was evaluated using visual analog scales for the back pain (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and quality of life (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Radiological outcome was evaluated by performing dynamic flexion/extension lateral views and calculation of segmental Cobb angle. Any implant-associated complication was reported. Computed tomography (CT) scans were also performed. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included and all patients achieved successful fusion. The mean difference of the segmental Cobb angle was 0.48° (range 0.3°-0.7°). Computed tomography scans showed solid bilateral fusion with bridging bone (Grade I) in all patients, but solid unilateral fusion with bridging bone (Grade II) was detected for one patient at one level. Patients started to resume working activities within a mean period of 3.5 months. The VAS score for the residual back pain was 4.1 ±â€Š2.1, whereas the ODI was 10.5 ±â€Š5.6 points, and the mean disability index was 21.1%. CONCLUSION: The use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell concentrate obtained with selective cell retention technology could be considered as an effective means for augmenting spinal fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.