Background:
The gold standard iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) used to achieve arthrodesis in spinal fusions is not without complications (donor-site morbidity, iliac wing fractures etc.…). Our objectives were to evaluate the role of silicated calcium phosphate (SiCaP), an osteoconductive synthetic bone graft substitute in conjunction with locally harvested autologous bone in achieving arthrodesis following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and report clinic-radiological results / adverse events with its use in a prospective single surgeon case series (Level of evidence [LoE] IV) treated by low implant density index (IDI) constructs (i.e., IDI ≤1.5).
Methods:
Thirty-five patients (8♂ & 2727♀) who underwent PSF and followed-up for a minimum of 2 years formed the study cohort. The mean age at surgery was 15 years (range: 11-21y) and pre-op Cobb angle was 60° (range: 40°-90°). SiCaP mixed with locally harvested bone during exposure and instrumentation was laid over instrumented segments. The average SiCaP used per patient was 32mls (range: 10-60mls). Radiographs were assessed for fusion at serial six monthly follow-ups. All clinical adverse events and complications were recorded.
Results:
The mean follow-up was 2.94 years (range: 2-4y). The post-op Cobb angle improved to 23° (range: 2°- 55°) and the mean in-patient stay was 7.72 days (range: 5-13d). The mean number of instrumented segments was 9.4 (range: 4-13) and implant density index (IDI) averaged 1.23 (range: 1.15-1.5). Radiographic new bone formation was seen within 3 months in all cases. All patients (except two) were highly satisfied at minimum follow-up of 8 years. There were two complications warranting revision surgery (deep infection, and implant failure without any evidence of pseudarthrosis). There were no SiCaP specific adverse events in any of the 35 patients.
Conclusion:
SiCaP facilitated early bony consolidation in operated cohort of AIS patients treated by PSF. There were no inflammatory reaction or other adverse effects associated with its use. SiCaP is a safe alternative to autologous iliac crest bone graft with reduced complications, morbidity, faster recovery and similar infection/fusion rates reported in the literature.