The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on spinal fusion: using the model of posterolateral intertransverse fusion in rabbits.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the facilitating effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on posterolateral intertransverse fusion using a validated rabbit model.


METHODS
Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits underwent posterolateral intertransverse fusion at L5-L6 with autogenous iliac bone graft. They were evenly divided into two groups: the HBO group and the normal room air (RA) group. Each group had six rabbits killed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively. The rabbits in the HBO groups were treated with 100% oxygen at 2.5 atm for 2 hours a day. After being killed, all rabbits were subjected to radiographic examination, manual testing, and torsional loading to evaluate the results of spinal fusion.


RESULTS
Radiographic union of intertransverse fusion areas at 4-week RA, 4-week HBO, 8-week RA, and 8-week HBO were 2 of 12, 7 of 12, 7 of 12, and 10 of 12, respectively. Solid union proven by manual palpation was found to be zero of six, three of six, four of six, and five of six of the cases, respectively. The average peak torsional momentums were 2120.2, 2576.5, 2661.6, and 3079.8 N-mm, respectively. Spinal fusion was significantly improved in the HBO groups at both 4 weeks and 8 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that intermittent hyperbaric oxygen therapy will hasten the bone healing process and improve the fusion rate as compared with the non-HBO group.
Chen
Wen-Jer
WJ
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan. chenwenj@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Lai
Po-Liang
PL
Chang
Chia-Hsieh
CH
Lee
Mel S
MS
Chen
Chih-Hwa
CH
Tai
Ching-Lung
CL
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011817:Rabbits; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D019415:Torque; D014945:Wound Healing