Experimental Study on the Application of Bioactive Xenogeneic Porcine Cancellous Bone for Cervical Intervertebral Fusion in Goats

Abstract

Study Design: An experimental study in a cervical intervertebral fusion goat model. Objective: To investigate the effect of bioactive xenogeneic porcine cancellous bone applied to the intervertebral fusion of goat cervical vertebrae. Summary of Background Data: Although autogenous bone achieves satisfied outcome in cervical intervertebral fusion, it is limited and cause several complications. The application of xenogeneic bone has potential to solve these problems. Methods: Thirty local goats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A (12 goats): autogenous tricortical iliac bone group; group B (6 goats): polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage with autologous bone; and group C (12 goats): PEEK cage with bioactive xenogeneic porcine cancellous bone. C3–C4 discectomy was performed in each group and the above bone graft and bone graft substitutes were implanted. Lateral cervical spine x-rays were taken at preoperative; immediately postoperative; and 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively every goat. Disc space heights (DSHs) were measured on lateral x-rays. CT examination was performed at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery for the fusion score. After 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, 3 goats were euthanized in both groups A and C to evaluate the immune rejection response through histology. At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery, 3 goats were euthanized in each group. The cervical implants fusion outcome was evaluated through specimen histology observation. Result: As time extended, the immune rejection of bioactive xenogeneic porcine cancellous bone gradually subsided. Radiology, specimen observation, and histology manifested that the C3–4 vertebral bodies of goats in each group gradually fused. All the goats in each group achieved bony fusion at 24 weeks after surgery. In terms of preventing intervertebral space collapse, the PEEK cage could achieve better results. There was no significant difference in the remaining experimental data (P>0.05). Conclusions: Bioactive xenogeneic porcine cancellous bone can obtain satisfied fusion outcomes in cervical intervertebral fusion and is an ideal intervertebral fusion material in goats.