Posterolateral Spondylodesis Using Bioactive Glass S53P4 and Autogenous Bone in Instrumented Unstable Lumbar Spine Burst Fractures

Abstract

Background and Aims A prospective long-term follow-up study of bioactive glass (BAG)-S53P4 and autogenous bone (AB) used as bone graft substitutes for posterolateral spondylodesis in treatment of unstable lumbar spine burst fractures during 1996–1998 was conducted. Material and Methods The lumbar fractures were fixed using posterior USS instrumentation. BAG was implanted on the left side of the fusion-bed and AB on the right side. The operative outcome was evaluated on X-rays and CT scans, and a clinical examination was also performed. Results The Oswestry score was excellent, and the mean pain score 1. The mean compression rate of the injured vertebral body was 25%. A solid bony fusion was seen on CT scans on the AB side in all patients and on the BAG side in five patients, and a partial fusion in five patients, resulting in a total fusion-rate of 71% of all fused segments in the BAG group. Conclusions Our long-term results show that BAG-S54P4 bone graft material is safe to be used as a bone graft extender in spine surgery.