Spondylosis lumbalis formation in rabbits after bone graft and platelet-rich fibrin
Background. An increase in the frequency of useful fusion requires new biomaterials that increase the graft osteogenic potential. The purpose of our work was to study the bone fusion formation in experimental posterolateral spinal fusion with the use of bone allograft and local autograft and autologous platelet-rich fibrin. Materials and methods. Lumbar monosegmental posterolateral spinal fusion was performed in 42 mature males from California rabbits aged 4-5 months, which were divided into 6 groups (n = 7). In the control group 1, transplants were not used; there were used local autograft in group 2, local autograft with PRF - in group 3, allograft bone from iliac crest - in group 4, allograft bone from iliac crest with PRF - in group 5, PRF - in group 6. Results. In group 1 bone fusion in the spondylodesis zone was not found. In other groups the regenerate, which was located between the transverse processes and connected adjacent vertebrae bodies, consisted of lamellar bone, connective and cartilaginous tissues. The largest amount of lamellar bone tissue was recorded in the regeneration of rabbits of groups 2 and 3, more maturity in group 3. The most wide regenerate (p < 0.001) was found when autografts were used in combination with PRF compared to other groups. Allografts and autografts used in the experiment were not completely replaced by newly formed tissues and the process of their reconstruction continued. Conclusions. The use of plastic materials (PRF, allografts and autografts alone and in combination with PRF) with lumbar intertransverse process spinal fusion promoted the formation of fusion at the operation level.