Augmentation improves human cadaveric vertebral body compression mechanics for lumbar total disc replacement.

Study Design: Cadaveric biomechanical study.

Objective: To quantify the effects of vertebral body augmentation on biomechanics under axial compression by a total disc replacement (TDR) implant.

Summary Of Background Data: TDR is a surgical alternative to lumbar spinal fusion to treat degenerative disc disease.

Analytical technique for quantification of selected resorbable calcium phosphate bone void fillers with the use of polarized-light microscopy.

Synthetic calcium phosphate bone void fillers promote varying rates of bone formation and material resorption depending on chemistry, porosity, pore structure, and implant site. The objective of this study was to quantify the resorption of a novel ultraporous beta-tricalcium phosphate cancellous bone void filler with simultaneous quantification of bone formation in a canine humerus model. Potential measurement error involved in conventional histomorphometry using Von Kossa stains inspired the development of a new technique.