Instrumented anterior lumbar interbody fusion with equine bone protein extract.

The research study uses a pig model to evaluate the use of equine bone protein extract for spinal fusion surgery. The results indicate that the equine bone protein, known as COLLOSS E, is as effective as traditional bone grafts in these procedures.

Objective and Background of the Study

• The study seeks to analyze the osteoinductive (bone formation-enhancing) potential of an equine bone protein extract in anterior interbody spinal fusion surgery on a porcine (pig) model.
• Existing surgical methods involve bone graft transplantation, which can have complications. The researchers theorize that using equine demineralized bone matrix, reported to be osteoinductive, may reduce these complications.

Research Methodology

• Twelve normal Danish landrace pigs, each weighing 50 kg, were chosen for the study due to their size and availability.
• Every pig underwent a lumbar spine interbody fusion involving levels L3/4 and L4/5 using titanium alloy cages and pedicle screws. The cages were packed with either an autograft or the equine bone protein extract (COLLOSS E), assigned randomly.
• The pigs were monitored for three months before being sacrificed for evaluation. Their spine segments were analyzed through radiographs, microcomputed tomography, and histomorphometry (a method of measuring properties of bone).

Key Research Findings

• No major complications were observed in any of the pigs. Radiographs recorded no implant breakage, loosening, or spinal deformity.
• Microcomputed tomography scans showed that the fusion rate of cages filled with COLLOSS E was the same as those filled with autografts.
• A statistically significant difference was noted in trabecular thickness with the COLLOSS E-filled cages containing much thinner trabeculae (bone structure).

Conclusion

• Based on the experimental results from the study, the researchers concluded that the use of COLLOSS E (equine bone protein extract) is as effective as an autograft in anterior spinal fusion surgeries, shown in the porcine model. This opens up potential avenues for the mitigation of complications related to bone graft harvesting.