The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A prospective study of Autologous Growth Factors (AGF) in lumbar interbody fusion.
Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have reported on the use of platelet concentrates to promote tissue healing. The results in spinal fusion applications are limited and controversial. ⋯ AGF combined with an allograft carrier is equivalent in radiographic and clinical outcomes to autograft in one- or two-level lumbar interbody fusion with supplemental posterior fixation and, thus, eliminates any morbidity from iliac crest bone graft harvesting. AGF combined with an appropriate carrier is a reasonable alternative to autograft and expensive bone induction technologies. Further research is still required to examine the optimum carriers, preparation and formulation, and platelet concentrations for this technology.