UTILIZATION OF TYPE-I COLLAGEN GEL, DEMINERALIZED BONE-MATRIX, AND BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN-2 TO ENHANCE AUTOLOGOUS BONE LUMBAR SPINAL-FUSION

Autologous bone grafts are currently considered ''gold standard'' mate rial for achieving long-term spinal arthrodesis. The present study was performed to determine whether demineralized bone matrix (DBM), type I collagen gels, or bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) can improve a utologous bone spinal fusions. Using a unilateral decompression-contra lateral fusion technique in dogs, each of these materials was added to an autologous bone graft. Volumetric analysis, histological analysis, and biomechanical testing were performed to assess the effectiveness of each material. The DBM had an inhibitory effect on solid bone fusio n of the spine, whereas the type I collagen gels improved the bony int erface between the graft and the host spine. The BMP-2 strongly enhanc ed the amount of bone deposition at the fusion site and increased the number of intervertebral levels that were solidly fused. This study st rongly supports the use of BMP-2 as an additive to autologous bone gra fts in spine stabilization.