Collecting Bone Graft During Spinal Decompression and Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion to Better Define Bone Making Cells

NCT01409954

The purpose of this study is to improve fusion (bony healing) techniques and improve patient recovery by identifying cells in your body that make bone. Patients with spine problems often need surgeries that include fusion (bony healing) of vertebrae (bones in your back) together in order to hold the bones steady allowing them to heal together (fusion). If the vertebrae (back bones) fail to heal together, which occurs about 10-15% of the time, it can result in a slower recovery and may require revision (another) surgery. By using a small portion of the graft taken during surgery the investigators hope to define the cells that make bone most efficiently. This will help reduce the need for revision surgeries and improve patient recovery.