Bone graft gel: Autologous growth factors used with autograft bone for lumbar spine fusions

A method to combine autologous growth factors (AGF) with autologous bone graft in a bone graft gel for spine fusions is described. The bone graft gel can be inserted into cages for interbody fusions or used directly for posterolateral intertransverse fusions. Sixty patients have undergone spinal fusion surgery under this technique. No equipment problems have been encountered and no adverse effects observed that could be attributed to AGF. Early clinical outcomes indicated solid or maturing fusions in 58 of 60 patients. AGFs to enhance bone healing represent an economical and readily available autologous source of growth factors.