EFFICACY OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA IN EXPERIMENTAL INSTRUMENTED INTERBODY SPINAL FUSION

Summary Introduction. This study aimed to analyze the influence of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on bone growth in experimental instrumented interbody spinal fusion (IISF).Methods. 16 adult sheep underwent IISF at L3-L4 level using a cylindrical threaded expanding titanium cage with morselized iliac crest cancellous autograft. In 8 animals (Group I) this was augmented with PRP, in the remaining 8 (Group II), it was not. Radiographs of the spine were taken preoperatively and at 1, 3, and months, moreover autoptic vertebral samples were obtained and evaluated histologically and by CT scan at 8 months.Results. Histological analysis revealed more evident new bone formation with bony bridge into the cages in Group I than Group II. There were relevant differences between the groups with regard to interbody fusion calculated using trabecular bone score (p<0.05).