Supplementation of autogenous bone graft with coralline hydroxyapatite in posterior spine fusion for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis.

Abstract

Twenty-seven consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis underwent posterior spinal fusion with pediatric Texas Scottish Rite Hospital instrumentation. Coralline hydroxyapatite (Interpore, Irvine, Calif) was mixed with limited autograft from posterior iliac crest (an approximate 70/30 ratio of coralline hydroxyapatite to autograft). Patient evaluation was based on clinical and radiographic findings. On initial radiographic evaluation, a "snowstorm" appearance consistent with the exoskeleton of the coralline hydroxyapatite was observed. After two years, the fusion mass had a "marble-like" appearance with distinct decreased visibility of the disk spaces in the fusion mass. This latter stage of "marbilization correlated with solid fusion clinically. All patients achieved solid fusion at an average follow-up of 27 months. Coralline hydroxyapatite is safe, biocompatible, and effective in augmenting autogenous bone graft in the treatment of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis with posterior spinal fusion. In addition to decreased donor site morbidity, this may be invaluable in cases where there is insufficient autograft available.