Integra LifeSciences has launched the Integra Allograft Cancellous Sponge, a compressible bone allograft. The graft acts like a sponge, absorbing fluids like saline, blood or bone marrow aspirate, after which it can be compressed to half its size before insertion. After that it expands back to its original size, to optimally fill any spaces or defects. From the press release:
Surgeons frequently remove bone from the spine, extremities and pelvis that has been damaged by trauma, degenerative conditions and aging. Bone grafts are generally needed to fill in these defects and aid the body in regenerating new bone. Bone grafts provide a foundation or scaffold for the patient’s body to grow new bone, and encourage new bone production and bone fusion.
Surgeons have historically obtained healthy bone graft material from the patient’s own body, often from the iliac crest of the pelvis. Sourcing bone graft material in this manner requires additional surgery that may cause post-operative pain, and there is also a limit on how much of the patient’s bone may be removed from the donor site.
Integra™ Allograft Cancellous Sponge offers a unique alternative for use as a bone graft in spinal fusion or general orthopedic surgeries. It may reduce the need to harvest the patient’s own bone, sparing the patient additional surgery and limiting the risk of any associated complications.
Press release: Integra LifeSciences Introduces Allograft Cancellous Sponge…
Product page: Integra Allograft Cancellous Sponge