It was evaluated the homologous demineralized bone matrix (HDBM), associated with the fresh autogenous bone marrow (FABM), in the vertebral dorsolateral lumbar union in 24 rabbits (group 1), that was placed on the transverse processes of previously decorticated L5-L6 vertebrae. In other nine rabbits (control group), it was just accomplished the decortications of the transverse processes, which showed insignificant local periostial reaction, without bone union after different evaluations. In the group 1, after five weeks of postoperative interval, 87.5% of the animals presented union (arthrodesis), which was observed by palpation, followed by 75 and 100% after seven and nine weeks, respectively. The arthrodesis indexes to X rays were of 50%, 62% and 75%, in the same evaluation period. According to histological analysis, after five weeks, there were characteristics of osteointegration of HDBM with the decorticated transverse processes, from where the blood vessels that penetrated the bone matrix originated, and the presence of cartilage tissue in the center of the graft. In the following weeks, the endocondral ossification continued and HDBM was almost totally substituted by trabecular bone tissue, forming a bridge of ripe bone among and over the adjacent transverse processes, propitiating larger mechanical resistance to the operated segment in comparison to the adjacent segments. The association of HDBM with the FABM showed as a feasible option with low cost in the vertebral dorsolateral lumbar arthrodesis in rabbits.
vertebral fusion; demineralized bone matrix; bone marrow
