Augmenting local bone with Grafton demineralized bone matrix for posterolateral lumbar spine fusion: Avoiding second site autologous bone harvest

Mineralization and integrity of the bone graft mass were evaluated among pa tients having posterolateral fusion. Crafting consisted of a composite of G rafton and "local" autologous bone (n=56) or iliac crest autograft alone (n =52). Mineralization was rated radiographically at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 , and 24 months. Integrity was judged as fused or not fused. Mineralization ratings did not differ significantly between groups at any postoperative i nterval (P values of .25-1.00). The percentage of patients fused was simila r in both groups (60% and 56% for Grafton and controls, respectively; P=.83 ). Fifteen control patients reported donor site pain. These findings warran t further evaluation of this composite.