Evaluation of Bone Matrix Differences in Adults and Elderly Patients
Investigating Changes in Bones as People Age
David Stockwell
Primary Investigator
Brief description of study
The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate remodeling of the bone matrix and cellular composition as people age. We plan to utilize 2.5-5 ml of bone autograft and 2 ml of bone marrow aspirate from patients undergoing spinal decompression and fusion surgery to compare bone matrix and bone composition in younger (18-45) vs older patients (65-85). The material used would be obtained during the routine procedure and a small portion of the total material obtained would be used for research. This should not affect the patients’ clinical outcomes.
Detailed description of study
We plan to utilize 2.5-5 ml of bone autograft and 2 ml of bone marrow aspirate from patients undergoing spinal decompression and fusion surgery to compare bone matrix and bone composition in younger (18-45) vs older patients (65-85). The material used would be obtained during the routine procedure and a small portion of the total material obtained would be used for research. This should not affect the patients’ clinical outcomes. The spinal decompression and fusion surgery is for clinical care and the patients would have the procedure even without the research. The bone marrow aspirate and bone graft harvesting are obtained in the normal procedure. They are used in combination with allograft and bone morphogenic protein (BMP) to obtain the fusion. This is not an additional extra step nor is more required. The amount collected is not anticipated to have any additional risk (as it is done in the standard procedure) and is not expected to affect fusion rate as the BMP is the primary driver of fusion. Sometimes the specimen is discarded and sometimes it is used; it depends on the case.
This is a standard of care surgery during which a small sample will be collected. These surgeries are routinely conducted at Methodist Hospital, and these patients are routinely seen at the Neuroscience Center, Neurosurgery clinic, where the research staff may administer informed consent.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Spinal condition, Spinal decompression
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Age: 18 years - 100 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Nonsmoker
- Patient undergoing spinal decompression and fusion surgery
This study investigates how the bone matrix and cellular composition change as people age. The purpose is to compare these differences in younger adults aged 18-45 and older adults aged 65-85. Bone samples will be taken from patients who are already undergoing spinal decompression and fusion surgery, which is a procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
During the surgery, a small amount of bone and bone marrow will be collected for research. This is part of the normal surgical process and will not affect the patient's treatment or recovery. The bone samples will be used to study the bone matrix, which is the structure that supports bones, and its cellular components. This study will help scientists understand how aging affects bone health.
- Who can participate: Participants must be 18 years or older and non-smokers. They must be undergoing spinal decompression and fusion surgery.
- Study details: Participants will have a small sample of bone and bone marrow collected during their routine spinal surgery. This will not change their surgery or recovery process.
