Rationale, characteristics, and clinical performance of the OsteoSponge: a novel allograft for treatment of osseous defects.

A variety of bone grafts and bone graft substitutes, each with distinctly different characteristics, is available to the orthopedic surgeon for various reconstructive procedures. However, adequate reconstruction of osseous defects remains a therapeutic challenge. Each bone graft option has a unique set of benefits and risks that must be considered in relation to the particular pathology, and to patient characteristics and comorbidities, in order to achieve the best possible outcome. The OsteoSponge® allograft consists of 100% demineralized human cancellous bone, with no additional carrier materials. The OsteoSponge is compressible, allowing precise graft placement in most osseous defects; subsequent expansion completely fills the void. The material is prepared using methods that preserve native growth factors, thereby promoting cellular ingrowth, proliferation, and ultimately osteogenesis. Preliminary evidence suggests that the OsteoSponge matrix is safe and effective when used in surgical treatment of osseous defects. This article describes the rationale for, and characteristics of, the OsteoSponge, and summarizes the results from preclinical and human studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]