The use of allograft (and avoidance of autograft) in anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a critical analysis

The aim of this report is to analyze the validity of allograft in anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Forty-three patients underwent anterior lumbar int erbody fusion using allograft in the period between 1995 and 1998. All suff ered from crippling chronic low back pain with or without sciatica. Discoge nic disease was verified in 40 cases by discography. All patients were inve stigated preoperatively with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The surgical technique is described. Follow-up radiographs were performed postoperative ly, then at 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 months, as required. Radiological fusion was c onfirmed in all single-level fusions (100%, n=24). In two-level fusions the rate was 93% (n=28/30). However, radiological union could only be confirme d in II of the 12 levels in the three-level fusions. Allograft offers a bet ter alternative to autograft for anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Donor si te morbidity is avoided, hospital stay is shorter and fusion rates are sati sfactory.