• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.605-610
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• 2001

Objective : The authors investigated the efficacy of the calcium sulfate(OsteoSet$^{(R)}$ pellets) as an autograft extender when used to perform posterolateral lumbar fusions. Patients and Methods : Twenty patients who underwent lumbar posterolateral arthrodesis for various spinal diseases between October 1999 and March 2000 were evaluated. Arthrodesis was performed by transpedicular screw fixation and bone grafting with a mixture of autograft + calcium sulfate in a 1 : 1 ratio. At time intervals of 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, postoperative radiographs were obtained to review the resorption of calcium sulfate and the evidence of fusion. A modified Lenke scale was used to assess the status of the fusion. Results : At 2 months after operation, the average modified Lenke scale score for the OsteoSet$^{(R)}$ pellets group was 3.8. However at 6 months after operation, the average modified Lenke scale score for the OsteoSet$^{(R)}$ pellets group was 1.8. Resorption of calcium sulfate pellets was revealed in all cases at 6 months after surgery. Conclusion : It is presumed that a combination of calcium sulfate and autograft can play a role as an effective autograft extender in the posterolateral spinal fusion.