A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
i-Factor bone graft compared with allograft in spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a preliminary comparative study
Authors: Saarinen, Antti J.; Frantzén, Aron; Ahonen, Matti; Helenius, Ilkka
Publisher: Lippincott
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B
ISSN: 1060-152X
eISSN: 1473-5865
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/BPB.0000000000001336
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1097/bpb.0000000000001336
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515671696
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
Bone graft extenders are widely used to supplement local autograft in posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). P-15, a novel synthetic 15-amino-acid polypeptide, has shown promise in promoting bone healing. This study compares P-15 (i-Factor) as a bone graft extender to allograft in adolescents undergoing segmental pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS. We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 60 adolescents with AIS who underwent segmental pedicle screw instrumentation with a minimum 2-year follow-up. In this preliminary study, 30 patients received P-15, and 30 received an allograft in addition to a local autograft. Operative time, radiographic outcomes, and health-related quality of life were assessed. Plain radiographs were used to evaluate nonunion. Operative time was significantly shorter in the P-15 group (2.7 vs. 3.4 h; P = 0.01). At 2-year follow-up, the mean major curve was 17° (SD: 6.2) in the P-15 group and 20° (SD: 5.2) in the allograft group (P = 0.057). The mean loss of correction was similar between the groups (3.3 vs. 1.2°; P = 0.092). No cases of nonunion or deep surgical site infections were observed. Health-related quality of life scores were comparable between the groups. P-15 is, according to the current study, a safe and effective bone graft extender for posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with AIS, demonstrating similar radiographic and clinical outcomes compared to allograft while reducing operative time. Further research is warranted to assess the long-term results with P15 in adolescents undergoing pedicle screw instrumentation for idiopathic scoliosis.
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Funding information in the publication:
I.H. has received research funding from Cerapedics and Medtronic. Dr. A.J.S. has received grants from the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation and Vappu Uuspää Foundation. A.F. has received grants from Finska Läkaresällskapet and Finnish Research Foundation for Orthopaedics and Traumatology.