A comparative study of radiographic results using HEALOS collagen-hydroxyapatite sponge with bone marrow aspiration versus local bone graft in the same patients undergoing posterolateral lumbar fusion.

Background: Autologous bone harvested from the iliac crest is the gold standard for lumbar spinal fusion. However postoperative donor site pain and morbidity have been reported. Local bone graft is insufficient and contains some soft-tissue attachment.