The effect of platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow on murine posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis with bone morphogenetic protein.

Background: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has had limited success in stimulating osteogenesis at the site of posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis when used at the currently approved human dose for anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of co-administration of fresh harvested autologous bone marrow aspirate and platelet-rich plasma on rhBMP-2-mediated in vivo murine posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis.

Methods: Forty adult male mice underwent posterolateral intertransverse process arthrodesis from L4 to L6.

Changes in the lumbar foramen following anterior interbody fusion with tapered or cylindrical cages.

Background Context: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using both cylindrical and tapered threaded interbody cages has been shown to restore disc height, reduce segmental motion, and relieve low back pain. The effectiveness of these stand-alone cage designs in restoration and maintenance of intervertebral foraminal dimensions has received little attention.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of anterior implantation of cylindrical and tapered interbody cages on morphologic changes of the lumbar neuroforamen and maintenance of foraminal dimensions under dynamic loading.

Posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion in a mouse model: surgical anatomy and operative technique.

Background Context: Animal models are frequently used for studying the effect of bone graft substitutes or allogeneic materials on osterolateral lumbar fusion. Transgenic technology in the mouse provides a unique opportunity to further understand the biology of spine fusion.

Purpose: To describe pertinent lumbar spine anatomy and formulate a surgical protocol for posterolateral fusion in the mouse model.