Use of cryopreserved bone in spinal surgery.

One hundred fifty-two consecutive spinal fusions were performed over a 4-year period in 143 patients. Autogenous bone was used in 62 patients and frozen cryopreserved bone in 90. A variety of anterior and posterior procedures with and without instrumentation were performed. The percentage of successful arthrodesis was 87 in those who received autogenous bone, and 86.6 in those who received allograft bone. Thirty-four spinal fusions were surgically explored. Histologic evaluation of the bone taken at the time of surgical exploration showed viable osteocytes laying down osteoid, woven and lamellar bone, and no inflammatory or foreign body reaction. The authors conclude that cryopreserved bone, harvested and processed as described, is advantageous, safe, and results in a rate of bone union comparable to that of autogenous bone.