In order to avoid the morbidity from autogenous bone harvesting, bone graft substitutes are being used more frequently in
spinal surgery. There is indirect radiological evidence that bone graft substitutes are efficacious in humans. The purpose
of this four-case study was to visually, manually, and histologically assess the quality of a fusion mass produced by a collagen
hydroxyapatite scaffold impregnated with autologous bone marrow aspirate for posterolateral fusion. Four patients sustained
an acute thoracolumbar fracture and were treated by short posterior segment fusion using the AO fixateur interne. Autologous
bone marrow (iliac crest) impregnated hydroxyapatite-collagen scaffold was laid on the decorticated posterior elements. Routine
implant removal was performed after a mean of 15.3 months (12–20). During this second surgery, fusion mass was assessed visually
and manually. A bone biopsy was sent for histological analysis of all four cases. Fusion was confirmed in all four patients
intraoperatively and sagittal stress testing confirmed mechanical adequacy of the fusion mass. Three out of the four (cases
2–4) had their implants removed between 12 and 15 months after the index surgery. All their histological cuts showed evidence
of newly formed bone and presence of active membranous and/or enchondral ossification foci. The last patient (case 1) underwent
implant removal at 20 months and his histological cuts showed mature bone, but no active ossification foci. This four-case
report suggests that the fusion mass produced by a mineralized collagen matrix graft soaked in aspirated bone marrow is histologically
and mechanically adequate in a thoracolumbar fracture model. A larger patient series and/or randomized controlled studies
are warranted to confirm these initial results.
Keywords Thoracolumbar spine - Fracture - Fusion - Bone graft substitute