Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances healing of laminectomy chip bone grafts on spinal fusion: A model of posterolateral intertransverse fusion in rabbits

Lih Hui Chen*, Jen Chung Liao, Wen Jer Chen, Po Liang Lai, Gun Keorochana

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Laminectomy-derived chip bone graft was usually used in spinal fusion; however, the result of this kind of local bone used in lumbar posterolateral fusion is uncertain. This study tested the hypotheses that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPU) can accelerate the healing process of laminectomy bone chips in a spinal fusion and enhance the union rate. Methods: Forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into three groups for the spinal unilateral uninstrumented posterolateral fusion of L5-L6: autologous iliac bone graft (AIBG), laminectomy chip bone graft (LCBG), LCBG plus LIPU (LCBG + LIPU). Each group was subdivided into 6-week and 12-week subgroups. All rabbits were subjected to radiographic examination and manual testing. All successful spinal fusion specimens received biomechanical testing and a histologic examination. Results: The LCBG + LIPU group had the highest successful fusion rate at 6-week and 12-week examination (75% and 100%, respectively). At 6 weeks, the average maximum toque at failure values of the fusion masses for the LCBG + LIPU group was significantly higher than that for the LCBG group (p = 0.034). The average maximum torque of the 12-week LCBG + LIPU group was significantly higher than those of the 12-week AIBG and 12-week LCBG groups (p = 0.040 and p = 0.026, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggested that LIPU can enhance bone healing. With augmentation by LIPU, laminectomy chip bone used in lumbar posterolateral fusion can achieve a similar fusion rate and stronger fusion mass than those of an AIBG.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)863-869
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume70
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 04 2011

Keywords

  • Laminectomy-derived chip bone graft
  • Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound
  • Lumbar spinal fusion
  • Rabbit

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances healing of laminectomy chip bone grafts on spinal fusion: A model of posterolateral intertransverse fusion in rabbits'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this