title: Osteoconductive bone graft extenders in posterolateral thoracolumbar spinal fusion: a systematic review.
abstract: METHODS
  A systematic review.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of osteoconductive bone graft extenders (BGEs) compared with iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) in posterolateral thoracolumbar spinal fusion.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ICBG is the current "gold standard" for achieving spinal arthrodesis. However, morbidity associated with its harvesting has led to the increased use of BGEs.
  
  
  METHODS
  An electronic literature search was conducted through April 2011 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Cochrane Library. Risk of bias and methodological assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Higgins I(2) test was used to assess for heterogeneity. Pooled weighted relative risk (RR) ratios were calculated to compare fusion and adverse event rates. Weighted standardized mean differences were calculated to compare functional outcome and pain scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen studies were included representing a total of 768 patients. Overall study quality was low (mean Cochrane Risk of Bias score, 4.8 out of 12; range, 3-6). Fusion rates were comparable between the BGE and ICBG groups (RR, 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-1.03; P = 0.28). Higgins I(2) test (58%) suggested substantial heterogeneity in the pooling of studies. The pooled rate of donor site pain in the ICBG group was 11.2% (95% CI, 7.4%-15.1%). Reported adverse events, excluding donor site pain, were significantly lower in the BGE group (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28-0.64; P < 0.0001). Functional outcomes were not significantly different between the 2 groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Osteoconductive BGEs combined with local spine autograft and/or bone marrow aspirate have comparable fusion rates, similar functional outcomes, lower complication rates, and a lower risk of donor site pain than ICBG. Caution should be taken in interpreting these findings, given the low quality of the studies and the heterogeneity in the results. Randomized controlled studies using blinded assessments are required to help elucidate more conclusive evidence.
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa Spine Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Khalid A M
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Alsaleh
authors.forename: Caroline A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Tougas
authors.forename: Darren M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Roffey
authors.forename: Eugene K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Wai
mesh_terms: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000637:transplantation*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D018786:Bone Substitutes