New Study Shows Allograft Processed With Osteoprogenitor Cells - Yields 94% Lumbar Spinal Fusion Rate

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 24 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Allograft processed with osteoprogenitor cells produced lumbar spinal fusion rates comparable to autograft but without the morbidity of iliac crest harvest, according to a new study presented at the 15th Annual International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST).

Investigators in the two-year prospective, multi-center study reported their findings after following patients an average of 21 months. Fifty-one patients had lumbar fusion at one to three levels. Forty-four patients completed final follow-up at an average of 21 months with seven patients having been lost to follow-up.

The fusion rate was 94 percent and mental and physical functioning scores improved by 7 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores decreased by an average of 48 percent, 59 percent and 54 percent for back, right leg and left leg pain. Mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores decreased by 48 percent. In this specific study, osteoprogenitor cells retained on the allograft matrix represented a 3.6-fold increase over those in unprocessed aspirate. Researchers used the CELLECT® Device (DePuy Spine, Raynham, MA) to mix the allograft matrix with stem cells obtained from the patient's own bone marrow. Funding for the study came from DePuy Spine.

"In this study, using the CELLECT Device with a composite graft material achieved fusion rates comparable to autograft in lumbar spinal fusions," said Jim A. Youssef, MD, of Durango Orthopedic Associates in Durango, CO, co-author of the study.

Researchers used the CELLECT Device along with the CELLECT Allograft Cartridge (LifeNet Health, Virginia Beach, VA). CELLECT is designed for use with bone marrow aspirate that can be harvested quickly from the patient using a minimally invasive approach. The marrow is then processed through the CELLECT Device to mix the implantable graft material (allograft in this study) with bone marrow aspirate. The resulting osteoprogenitor-processed allograft is then implanted in the graft site.

About DePuy Spine

DePuy Spine has worked and partnered with leading clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders to develop products to treat spine disorders for over 20 years. Today, DePuy Spine stands in the forefront of the worldwide spine market, with a substantial sales organization in the U.S. and an expanding worldwide distribution network. The company is committed to advancing the knowledge of all health care professionals and their patients in addressing spinal pathologies. www.depuyspine.com

About LifeNet Health

LifeNet Health, Inc., founded in 1982 and headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, is a leading biomedical alloengineering organization and organ and tissue donation agency whose mission is saving lives and restoring health. LifeNet Health provides recovery and processing services for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular tissues, distributing more than 250,000 biomedical implants every year to restore health to patients around the world. www.lifenet.org