98. Selective cell retention technology in spinal fusion

HYPOTHESIS: Autologous bone, the gold standard graft material, provides osteoconductive and osteoinductive matrix populated with bone marrow osteogenic precursors. Spinal fusions represent a large proportion of bone grafting procedures. However, donor site morbidity from iliac crest (IC) harvest and a significant non-union rate present challenges to successful fusions. Therefore, an impetus exists to develop materials capable of replicating IC graft performance. Bone marrow is a rich source of osteoprogenitors that enhance bone formation at the graft site. In this study, a method for enrichment of bone marrow-derived osteoprogenitors is utilized in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion. Among the objectives of the study are characterization of aspirate cellularity and comparison of harvest efficiency using alternate needle designs. This study reports these findings in the first series of patients.