Comparison of synthetic bone graft ABM/P-15 and allograft on uninstrumented posterior lumbar spine fusion in sheep

BACKGROUND: Spinal fusion is a commonly used procedure in spinal surgery. To ensure stable fusion, bone graft materials are used. ABM/P-15 (commercial name i-Factor™ Flex) is an available synthetic bone graft material that has CE approval in Europe. This peptide has been shown to improve bone formation when used in devices with fixation or on bone defects. However, the lack of external stability and large graft size make posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) a most challenging grafting procedure. This prospective randomized study was designed to evaluate early spinal fusion rates using an anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix (ABM) combined with a synthetic 15 amino acid sequence (P-15)–ABM/P-15 bone graft, and compared with allograft in an uninstrumented PLF model in sheep. The objective of this study was to assess fusion rates when using ABM/P-15 in uninstrumented posterolateral fusion in sheep. METHODS: Twelve Texas/Gotland mixed breed sheep underwent open PLF at 2 levels L2/L3 and L4/L5 without fixation instruments. The levels were randomized so that sheep received an ABM graft either with or without P15 coating. Sheep were euthanized after 4.5 months and levels were harvested and evaluated with a micro-CT scanner and qualitative histology. Fusion rates were assessed by 2D sections and 3D reconstruction images and fusion was defined as intertransverse bridging. RESULTS: There was 68% fusion rate in the allograft group and an extensive migration of graft material was noticed with a fusion rate of just 37% in the ABM/P-15 group. Qualitative histology showed positive osteointegration of the material and good correlation to scanning results. CONCLUSIONS: In this PLF fusion model, ABM/P15 demonstrated the ability to migrate when lacking external stability. Due to this migration, reported fusion rates were significantly lower than in the allograft group. The use of ABM/P15 as i-Factor™ Flex may be limited to devices with fixation and bone defects.