RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Cell and Tissue Response to Polyethylene Terephthalate Mesh Containing Bone Allograft in Vitro and in Vivo JF International Journal of Spine Surgery JO Int J Spine Surg FD International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery SP 7135 DO 10.14444/7135 A1 D. Joshua Cohen A1 Lisa Ferrara A1 Marcus B. Stone A1 Zvi Schwartz A1 Barbara D. Boyan YR 2020 UL http://ijssurgery.com//content/early/2020/10/27/7135.abstract AB Background Extended polyethylene terephthalate mesh (PET, Dacron) can provide containment of compressed particulate allograft and autograft. This study assessed if PET mesh would interfere with osteoprogenitor cell migration from vertebral plates through particulate graft, and its effect on osteoblast differentiation or the quality of bone forming within fusing vertebra during vertebral interbody fusion. Methods The impact of PET mesh on the biological response of normal human osteoblasts (NHOst cells) and bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) to particulate bone graft was examined in vitro. Cells were cultured on rat bone particles +/− mesh; proliferation and osteoblast differentiation were assessed. The interface between the vertebral endplate, PET mesh, and newly formed bone within consolidated allograft contained by mesh was examined in a sheep model via microradiographs, histology, and mechanical testing.Results Growth on bone particles stimulated proliferation and early differentiation of NHOst cells and MSCs, but delayed terminal differentiation. This was not negatively impacted by mesh. New bone formation in vivo was not prevented by use of a PET mesh graft containment device. Fusion was improved in sites containing allograft/demineralized bone matrix (DBM) versus autograft and was further enhanced when stabilized using pedicle screws. Only sites treated with allograft/DBM+screws exhibited greater percent bone ingrowth versus discectomy or autograft. These results were mirrored biomechanically.Conclusions PET mesh does not negatively impact cell attachment to particulate bone graft, proliferation, or initial osteoblast differentiation. The results demonstrated that bone growth occurs from vertebral endplates into graft material within the PET mesh. This was enhanced by stabilization with pedicle screws leading to greater bone ingrowth and biomechanical stability across the fusion site.Clinical Relevance The use of extended PET mesh allows containment of bone graft material during vertebral interbody fusion without inhibiting migration of osteoprogenitor cells from vertebral end plates in order to achieve fusion.Level of Evidence 5.