Resorbable posterolateral graft containment in a rabbit spinal fusion model

Object. The authors studied the effect of a resorbable graft containment device in a rabbit posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion model. Methods. Twenty rabbits were divided into four groups: autologous bone graft (ABG), ABG with the MacroPore containment device (ABG + NIP), demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and DBM with the containment device (DBM + NIP). Fusion mass was assessed at 6 weeks with high-resolution radiography and volumetric computerized tomography. The graft containment device was associated with alteration of the fusion mass structure and significant enhancement of fusion mass volume (ABG versus ABG + NIP, p = 0.027; DBM versus DBM + NIP, p = 0.043). Conclusions. A bioabsorbable protective graft containment device successfully enhanced posterolateral spinal fusion mass volume.