Biologic factors affecting spinal fusion and bone regeneration

Study Design. Literature review. Objectives. This article reviews the existing data on the multiplicity of local and systemic factors affecting lumbar spinal fusion and the general biology of bone regeneration. Summary of Background Data. Arthrodesis is one of the most commonly performed, yet incompletely understood, procedures in spinal surgery. There exists a paucity of knowledge about the basic biology involved in achieving a successful fusion. Methods. Medline and manual search of all relevant articles were performed and summarized. Results. The success or failure of spinal fusion may be influenced by a host of local and systemic factors. Conclusions. Future research should focus on expanding our existing knowledge pertaining to the basic biology of bone regeneration specific to spinal fusion.