Experimental allograft in spinal fusion in dogs.

Fifty-six dogs were used for the comparison of the allogenous and autogenous bone graft in anterior interbody and posterior spinal fusion. Excluding 7 cases with wound infections, the end results of the allograft and autograft in anterior interbody and posterior spinal fusion were nearly the same, provided that the rules of technique for the spinal fusion were strictly followed, especially in the allograft group. Grossly, there was a reduction tendency in the fusion mass of the allograft group that was proven by roentgenographic examination of the harvested spinal block. Histologically, there was no evidence of regeneration of the allograft that can be readily detected in the autograft. In the allograft group, osteogenesis can only be seen in the recipient sites, the allograft transplants become sequestrated and resorbed.