rhBMP-2 Versus Vivigen in Lumbar Fusion Procedures

rhBMP-2 Versus Vivigen, a Novel Cellular Allograft, in Lumbar Fusion Procedures: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

This study is aimed at comparing the overall efficacy (clinical and radiographic) of Vivigen, a novel cellular allograft product, and rhBMP-2 when utilized in lumbar fusion procedures.

The purpose of this study is to compare the overall efficacy (clinical outcome and radiographic fusion) of Vivigen (cellular allograft product) and rhBMP-2 in patients who undergo a single level lumbar instrumented fusion. Specifically, when compared to their control group counterparts treated to rhBMP-2, we hypothesize that the intervention group administered Vivigen would, following surgery, experience:

1. Comparable mean postoperative leg/back pain score, where the pain scores are obtained using the numeric rating scale of 0-no pain, to 10-worst pain possible
2. Comparable inpatient length of stay (LOS)
3. Comparable postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score (0-no disability, to 100-maximum disability possible), two weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively
4. Comparable fusion rates, evaluated via CT scan I year postoperatively

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or older;
2. Diagnosed with lumbar degenerative/isthmic spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease with axial low back pain and neurologic symptoms, failed conservative treatment and eligible for a single level lumbar instrumented fusion;
3. Willing to provide informed consent, participate in study, and comply with study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or contemplating pregnancy prior to surgery;
2. Serious spinal conditions (e.g. spinal cord compression, cauda equina syndrome, spinal infection, spinal tumor, spinal fracture, inflammatory or systemic spinal arthritis);
3. Surgery involving more than 2 vertebral levels;
4. Worker's compensation or personal injury related to lumbar spine (treatment outcomes may be affected by patient's personal interests; could also run into potential issues with reimbursement).
5. Lactating women
6. Patients who have a known or suspected allergy to Gentamicin Sulfate, Meropenem, Vancomycin, Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), and Human Serum Albumin
7. Immune compromised patients