Novel bone grafting technique in stand-alone ALIF procedure combining allograft and autograft (‘Northumbria Technique’)—Fusion rate and functional outcomes in 100 consecutive patients

Abstract Introduction Successful ALIF surgery depends upon achieving solid fusion, whilst avoiding significant complications. Herein, we present the ‘Northumbria Technique’ of combining allograft with autograft in order to achieve interbody fusion. Materials and Methods A single-surgeon series 100 consecutive patients undergoing stand-alone from 2016 2019 was studied. All had percutaneously harvested iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) dowels inserted into blocks fresh frozen femoral head (FFFH) allograft, which were then cages. Patients dynamic radiographs at 4 months, CT 6 patient reported outcome measure scores (PROMS) throughout. Results One hundred (average age 44.8 years) followed-up for an average 29.1 months. Ninety-four (94%) assessed as having fused on both by independent Radiologist. Three (3%) abolition movement radiographs, but either lacked a scan or failed meet Williams criteria Two attend any imaging, so considered not fused, one no evidence fusion modality. There improvement all PROMS. intra-operative complications, transient donor-site pain. Conclusions The newly described utilises osteoconductive characteristics FFFH well osteoinductive osteogenic properties ICBG autograft. It gives high rates (94–97%) statistically improvements PROMS, complications harvesting large amount huge costs using synthetic agents.