Synthetic devices vs. bone grafts: How complication rates compare in spinal fusions

Spine

Synthetic interbody devices and traditional bone grafts have similar complication rates, but pseudarthrosis can be more common in patients with allografts, according to a study in the May issue of Spine.

Researchers evaluated data for 11,430 patients who had one- and two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusions with synthetic interbody devices or allograft/autografts between 2010 and 2022. They matched patients 1:1 based on factors that were significant predictors of all-cause surgical complications. 

There were no statistically significant differences in all-cause surgical complications between the cohorts. There also weren't any significant differences in specific surgical complications except pseudoarthrosis.

The study concluded: "all-cause surgical complications are similar in patients undergoing ACDFs with synthetic interbody devices or allograft/autographs. However, the rate of pseudarthrosis appears to be higher in patients with allograft/autographs. Future prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings."

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