Stem cell grafts in anterior cervical and lumbar fusion: Rationale and data

Use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for spinal fusion has increased in recent years through the use of either cellular bone matrices (CBM) or bone marrow aspiration (BMA). Advantages of these stem cell graft types are their potential ability to provide long-term cell proliferation, self-renewal, and multipotent differentiation afforded by the gold standard of autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) without the known drawbacks of its harvest. The aim of this article is to review the evidence on the use of allogeneic or autologous MSCs in anterior spine surgery through the utilization of CBM or BMA, respectively. Practice recommendations will then be provided based on the available published evidence.