• The Performance of a Sterile Demineralized Bone Matrix Putty in a Rabbit Posterolateral Fusion Model

INTRODUCTION: Bone fusion, such as in spinal surgeries, may be accelerated through the use of a bone graft substitute (BGS). While autograft was considered the gold standard of treatment, it can be undesirable for use by surgeons due to donor site morbidity and limited availability. As an alternate method of treatment, human allograft Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) can be used by surgeons either alone as a graft substitute or in combination with local bone as a graft extender. Recently, a BGS putty was developed using DBM and homogenized connective tissue matrix. To assess the efficacy of this DBM Putty as a bone void filler in the spine, a posterolateral fusion (PLF) study was conducted using euthymic rabbits. This study assessed bridging, new woven bone, and the amount of viable bone via histology and bone formation through microCT. The DBM Putty was tested as both a graft substitute and a graft extender, and compared to an autograft control group at nine weeks.