Successful posterior interlaminar fusion at the thoracic spine by sole use of beta-tricalcium phosphate.

We report on a 43-year-old male who sustained an isolated distraction injury of the thoracic spine Th7/Th8 (AO/ASIF B 2.3) with wedge compression Th8 and sagittal split Th10 without neurological injury. A bisegmental posterior stabilisation and a monosegmental interlaminar fusion was the treatment of choice. A synthetic bone substitute, beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP, Chronos) without additional autogenous bone was used to achieve the monosegmental posterior fusion. The clinical course was favourable and 10 months postoperatively the implant was removed. On implant removal the CT scan showed a fused segment and intraoperatively it was found that the fusion was solidly healed. A biopsy was taken from the fusion mass and histology showed vital bone that was rich with osteocytes. Noncalcified osteoid surrounding the bone marrow cavity could be identified. Several studies and the reported case might indicate that osteoconductive material alone can be sufficient for achieving a solid fusion.