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Iliac crest voids filled with HA-calcium compound aids medullary repair
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In a prospective, randomized, single-blind study, the amount of pain reported at 6 weeks and 2 years after posterior iliac crest bone harvest by adult patients who needed bone grafting for a spine fusion was comparable regardless of whether they had their iliac crest defect backfilled with a hydroxyapatite-calcium triphosphate biphasic compound.
From a CT analysis done in 37 patients who were available for follow-up at a mean of 23.9 months after treatment, the investigators observed bone density changes in relation to backfill procedures that were done in 18 patients. This included significantly less bone density at 2 postoperative years.
The researchers noted in the abstract that this phenomenon could be due to resorption of the triphosphate compound.
The investigators also speculated that host bone that possibly reformed at the harvest site may explain why the bone density was increased on CT scans for 19 patients in the control group at 2 postoperative years.
Based on the Fisher exact test, "Both groups had similar cortical defect repair. The backfill group had significantly better medullary defect repair," Douglas C. Burton, MD, and colleagues wrote.
Disclosure: Burton receives royalties and research support from DePuy Spine and has private investments in DePuy Spine.
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