Video‐Assisted Lateral Intertransverse Process Arthrodesis: Validation of a New Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion Technique in the Rabbit and Nonhuman Primate (Rhesus) Models

Study Design Cadaveric anatomic and in vivo survival animal studies were performed to develop a new arthrodesis technique for the lumbar spine. Objectives To examine the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a minimally invasive lumbar intertransverse process arthrodesis technique using an osteoinductive growth factor (rhBMP‐2) delivered in a collagen sponge carrier. The technique was first developed using a rabbit model and modified for the nonhuman primate (rhesus monkey), a larger animal with the most similar bone biology to humans. Summary of Background Data The morbidity of conventional posterolateral lumbar intertransverse process arthrodesis includes graft donor site morbidity; paraspinal muscle devascularization, denervation, and scarring; and nonunion in up to 35% of patients. Minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis techniques have been developed, but these often require a metal implant and carry risks to major vessels and development of retrograde ejaculation. A minimally invasive technique for posterolateral intertransverse process arthrodesis has not been described previously. Methods In Part 1, we examined seven New Zealand white rabbits and five rhesus monkeys at necropsy and during nonsurvival surgeries to determine the best access routes and to develop special instruments for video‐assisted lateral intertransverse process arthrodesis. In Part 2, 38 New Zealand white rabbits underwent L4‐L5 intertransverse process arthrodesis: the “OPEN” group (n = 16) underwent a standard open muscle‐splitting approach using rhBMP‐2 (bone morphogenetic protein) and collagen as a bone graft substitute; the “video‐assisted control” group (n = 6) underwent video‐assisted lateral intertransverse process arthrodesis with the collagen implant only (no growth factor); and the “video‐assisted‐BMP” group (n = 16) underwent video‐assisted lateral intertransverse process arthrodesis with rhBMP‐2 and collagen as the graft material. In Part 3, rhesus monkeys (n = 4) underwent video‐assisted lateral intertransverse process arthrodesis using rhBMP‐2 and collagen after laminectomy of L4‐L5. Results In Part 1, we identified expedient, minimally invasive routes to the intertransverse process interval appropriate for each species: an intermuscular approach for the rabbit and a lateral, extramuscular approach for the rhesus monkey. In Part 2, all rabbits in the OPEN and video‐assisted‐BMP groups achieved solid intertransverse process lumbar fusions when assessed at 10 weeks. There were no neurologic impairments nor any difference between the two groups in the frequency of postoperative infection or other complications. None of the animals in the video‐assisted‐control group showed evidence of fusion. In Part 3, exposure, decortication and grafting with rh‐BMP‐2 and collagen was accomplished successfully in all four monkeys through the video‐assisted minimally invasive approach without complications. Conclusion Video‐assisted lateral intertransverse process arthrodesis is a feasible, effective, and safe method of lumbar spinal fusion in the rabbit and rhesus monkey. Use of this arthrodesis procedure will minimize the morbidity of paraspinal muscle denervation and devascularization seen with open intertransverse process fusion techniques, and the use of an osteoinductive growth factor will eliminate the problem of graft donor site morbidity and possibly increase the chances for successful fusion.