Bone Marrow Aspirate vs. Bone Morphogenetic Protein (rhBMP-2) in Multilevel Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery and the Feasibility of Using Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Purpose: To evaluate bone graft substitutes used in spine fusion surgery and determine the feasibility of studying the use of adult stem cells. Hypothesis: Using a well designed, randomized clinical trial to compare bone graft substitutes used in spine fusion surgery will help determine the best alternative to autologous bone graft. Design: Retrospective data on two bone graft substitutes will be evaluated. A protocol for studying stem cells in spine fusion will be drafted and the feasibility of implementing the trial will be analyzed. Results: It is difficult to design a randomized clinical trial to investigate a new surgical technique. The lack of standardization among spine surgeons makes it difficult to control for confounding variables.