Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen has good cellular compatibility. It can create three-dimensional environment for cells growth and be well used as bone carrier material based on its nano-porous structure.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of the enriched bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) composite with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC) for lumbar intertransverse spinal fusion of rabbits.
METHODS: Twenty New Zealand rabbits were divided into the cells group (n=10) and the autograft group (n=10) according to their different implants in bilateral L5-L6 intertransverse process. Drawing materials was performed 8 weeks after implantation. Then the technique detection and histological observation were performed in order to estimate the lumbar fusion.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The fusion rates in the cells group and the autograft group were 70% (7/10) and 80% (8/10) respectively 8 weeks after implantation, and had no significant difference (P > 0.05). Histological observation showed that there was more newly formed bone trabeculae growth inside the nHAC of the cells group. A great amount of new bone tissues and linked bone trabeculae were seen in intertransverse process of the autograft group. This study showed that enriched BMSCs composite with nHAC can be used as a substitute for autograft in spine fusion, and is similar to autograft in spinal fusion.