ArticleEuropean spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society2025
Ceramic substitutes, failure to achieve solid fusion in posterolateral instrumented fusion: a surgical and histological evaluation.
Article in European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
purposeAs the number of instrumented fusions increases, so does the utilization of bone substitutes. However, controversies persist regarding the effectiveness of ceramics in promoting solid fusion. Few histological studies have been conducted on patients to address this issue. To contribute insights into this topic, we assessed bony fusion both intraoperatively and histologically in patients who underwent posterolateral instrumented fusions enhanced with a biphasic ceramic compound.
methodsWe analyzed a series of 13 patients who underwent revision surgery due to adjacent segment disease following the initial use of ceramics as bone extenders in the index surgery. In each case, patients exhibited apparent radiological fusion in the instrumented posterolateral fusions. Follow-up exceeded 18 months. Bone fusion was assessed intraoperatively, and biopsies of the bone mass at the intertransverse area were examined under an optical microscope.
resultsSurgical exploration of the fusion block at the intertransverse space did not indicate solid fusion. Moreover, histological analysis of the 13 biopsies revealed a lack of proper integration of the bone substitutes, incomplete resorption of hydroxyapatite granules, and substitution of ceramic particles by immature fibrous tissue lacking the structural competence to bear loads or add stability to spinal fusion.
conclusionThe utilization of biphasic ceramics proved ineffective in attaining a proper fusion mass between the intertransverse space. Both surgical inspection and histological studies confirmed the absence of integration. Prudence should be exercised regarding the use of ceramics. While no clear instability was observed, neither was there any integration.
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