Improving the clinical evidence of bone graft substitute technology in lumbar spine surgery

Global Spine J. 2012 Dec;2(4):239-48. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1315454. Epub 2012 Oct 9.

Abstract

Bone graft substitutes have been used routinely for spine fusion for decades, yet clinical evidence establishing comparative data remains sparse. With recent scrutiny paid to the outcomes, complications, and costs associated with osteobiologics, a need to improve available data guiding efficacious use exists. We review the currently available clinical literature, studying the outcomes of various biologics in posterolateral lumbar spine fusion, and establish the need for a multicenter, independent osteobiologics registry.

Keywords: autograft; biologics; bone graft substitute; bone morphogenetic protein; ceramics; demineralized bone matrix; osteobiologics; spine fusion.

Publication types

  • Review