DBM (Demineralized Bone Matrix)

After spinal fusion and other highly invasive spine surgeries, the installation of a bone graft is needed to stabilize the spinal column.  This bone graft fuses two adjacent vertebrae together ensuring the structural integrity of the spine, but also causes a discernible loss of flexibility. A demineralized bone matrix (DBM) refers to a product that is extracted from allograft bone – donor bone – and is used to extend and bolster the bone graft.

Types of Bone Grafts

In general, there are two types of bone grafts: allograft bone and autogenous bone.

• Allograft bone – refers to bone that is harvested from a donor.  This is an appealing option because it doesn’t require bone to be removed from the patient in a separate surgery.  However, allograft bone is usually weaker than autogenous bone and isn’t usually considered strong enough for a lumbar spine fusion.
• Autogenous bone – refers to bone that is harvested from the patient.  This is the strongest, most effective bone graft available.  In most cases, autogenous bone is taken from the pelvic area at the same time as the spine surgery.  Disadvantages of autogenous bone is that the patient will need to recover from the incision and bone removal as well as the spine surgery, and fusion is still not always successful regardless of the source of the bone graft.

Demineralized bone matrix can be thought of as a bone graft extender in that it is not currently recommended as a replacement for an autogenous bone graft, but can be used when more bone material is needed for the procedure.

Another Option

If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain and you are considering spinal fusion treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how we may be able to treat your symptoms without the use of bone grafting or spinal fusion.  Call to learn about our revolutionary, minimally invasive endoscopic treatments today.