Experimental model of posterolateral spinal arthrodesis in sheep. Part 2. Application of the model: evaluation of vertebral fusion obtained with coral (Porites) or with a biphasic ceramic (Triosite).

Objectives: The authors evaluated two bone substitutes in a posterolateral spinal arthrodesis (PSA) model in sheep: coral porites (99% calcium carbonate, Biocoral, Inoteb, France) and a biphasic ceramic (BCP) (65% hydroxyapatite and 35% B tricalcium phosphate, Triosite, Zimmer International).

Summary Of Background Data: Bone substitutes would be of great interest for PSA. Previous trials began with two kinds of biomaterials: natural coralline calcium carbonate, and phosphate calcium ceramic.

Methods: A lumbar PSA was performed in 11 sheep (coral group) and in 9 sheep (BCP group). Sacrifice and biomechanical tests were performed after 1 year.

Results: A large decrease of flexibility in all directions was obtained with both coral PSA and BCP PSA similarly to autologous graft. No nonfusion case was observed.

Conclusion: In conditions close to the human surgery, a PSA can be obtained using either coral porites or BCP as bone substitutes.