title: Posterolateral lumbar spine fusion using a novel demineralized bone matrix: a controlled case pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intertransverse posterolateral fusion along with instrumentation is a common technique used for spinal fusion. Iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) offers good fusion success rates with a low risk for disease transmission but is, however, linked with certain morbidity. In an effort to eliminate or reduce the amount of iliac graft needed, bone substitutes including demineralized bone matrix (DBM) have been developed. This study evaluates a novel DBM (Accell Connexus used in one or two-level instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 59 consecutive patients were studied as two groups. Group 1 consisted of 33 patients having Accell Connexus used to augment either ICBG or local decompression material. Group 2 consisted of 26 consecutive patients, operated prior to the introduction of this novel DBM, having either ICBG alone or local decompression material. Fusion was assessed by two independent observers, blinded to graft material, using standardized criteria found in the literature. All adverse events were recorded prospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results show no statistically significant differences between the two groups in fusion rates, complications, surgery duration, ODI, or pain on VAS. Logistical regression showed no relation between fusion and age, smoking status or comorbidities. Furthermore, no adverse events related to the use of the novel DBM were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results from this study demonstrate that the novel DBM presented performs equally as well as that of autologous bone, be it either ICBG or a local decompression material, and can therefore be used as a graft extender.
authors.affiliation: Hôpital Orthopédique de la Suisse Romande, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and The University of Lausanne, Avenue Pierre-Decker 4, Lausanne, Switzerland. cschizas@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Constantin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schizas
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Triantafyllopoulos
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kosmopoulos
authors.forename: Nikos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tzinieris
authors.forename: Kosmas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stafylas
mesh_terms: D018775:Bone Demineralization Technique; D001857:Bone Matrix / Q000637:transplantation*; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D018786:Bone Substitutes