USE OF BETA-TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE WITH BONE MARROW ASPIRATE AS A BONE GRAFT SUBSTITUTE IN POSTEROLATERAL LUMBAR FUSION

Özet

Objective: Retrospective clinical study. This study aimed to determine the bony fusion rate of posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) involving betatricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) and bone marrow aspirate (BMA). Bone fusion remains the main component of primary surgical approach for several spinal disorders. Spine surgeons face the need to make crucial decisions regarding bone graft selection in each case. Materials and Methods: The study included 33 patients (21 female and 12 male patients) who underwent posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation and fusion using ß-TCP as a bone substitute. The mean patient age was 58.35 (range=35-81) years. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 23.45 months. Solid bony fusion at the lateral side of the lumbar region between transverse processes was noted on radiography in 24 patients (72.7%), bony bridging between adjacent transverse processes in 5 patients (15.2%), and no new bone formation in the remaining 4 patients (12.1%). Conclusion: The bony fusion rate of PLF involving ß-TCP and BMA was relatively high at 72.7%. ß-TCP is an effective and appropriate material for PLF in the lumbar area when used with BMA, and approximately 10 mL of ß-TCP per vertebral segment is sufficient.