Plaster of Paris as an osteoconductive material for interbody vertebral fusion in mature sheep.

Study Design: In adult female sheep, histologic and biomechanical criteria were used to determine whether the osteoconductive performance of plaster of paris would promote the incorporation of the tubular titanium mesh implants used for interbody vertebral fusions.

Objectives: To compare the osteogenicity of plaster of paris with that of autogenous iliac crest bone and bone marrow 6 months after they were loaded into tubular titanium mesh cages and implanted as L3-L5 bridges after L4 corpectomies.

Summary Of Background Data: One of the aims of surgery for vertebral pathology is to stabilize the spine by interbody fusions.