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Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2001;30(5): 605-610. |
Efficacy of Calcium Sulfate Pellets as Bone Graft Substitute in Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion. |
Seung Ku Lee, Choong Hyun Kim, Jin Hwan Cheong, Koang Hum Bak, Jae Min Kim, Suck Jun Oh |
Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. |
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ABSTRACT |
OBJECTIVE The authors investigated the efficacy of the calcium sulfate(OsteoSet(r) pellets) as an autograft extender when used to perform posterolateral lumbar fusions.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent lumbar posterolateral arthrodesis for various spinal diseases between October 1999 and March 2000 were evaluated.
Arthrodesis was performed by transpedicular screw fixation and bone grafting with a mixture of autograft + calcium sulfate in a 1:1 ratio. At time intervals of 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, postoperative radiographs were obtained to review the resorption of calcium sulfate and the evidence of fusion. A modified Lenke scale was used to assess the status of the fusion. RESULTS At 2 months after operation, the average modified Lenke scale score for the OsteoSet(r) pellets group was 3.8.
However at 6 months after operation, the average modified Lenke scale score for the OsteoSet(r) pellets group was 1.8.
Resorption of calcium sulfate pellets was revealed in all cases at 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION It is presumed that a combination of calcium sulfate and autograft can play a role as an effective autograft extender in the posterolateral spinal fusion. |
Key Words:
Calcium sulfate; Lumbar posterolateral fusion; Substitute; Modified Lenke scale |
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