A Meta Analysis of Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery Using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Autologous Iliac Crest Bone Graft

BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMPs) as a substitute for iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) has been increasingly widely used in lumbar fusion. The purpose of this study is to systematically compare the effectiveness and safety of fusion with BMPs for the treatment of lumbar disease. METHODS: Cochrane review methods were used to analyze all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to nov 2013. RESULTS: 19 RCTs (1,852 patients) met the inclusion criteria. BMPs group significantly increased fusion rate (RR: 1.13; 95% CI 1.05-1.23, P = 0.001), while there was no statistical difference in overall success of clinical outcomes (RR: 1.04; 95% CI 0.95-1.13, P = 0.38) and complications (RR: 0.96; 95% CI 0.85-1.09, p = 0.54). A significant reduction of the reoperation rate was found in BMPs group (RR: 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.77, p = 0.0002). Significant difference was found in the operating time (MD-0.32; 95% CI-0.55, -0.08; P = 0.009), but no significant difference was found in the blood loss, the hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and work status. CONCLUSION: Compared with ICBG, BMPs in lumbar fusion can increase the fusion rate, while reduce the reoperation rate and operating time. However, it doesn't increase the complication rate, the amount of blood loss and hospital stay. No significant difference was found in the overall success of clinical outcome of the two groups

Complications of Recombinant Human BMP-2 for Treating Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Preliminary Report

Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are potent osteoinductive agents. Their use in fracture surgery is still being studied and the clinical indications are evolving. Heterotopic bone after BMP use in spine surgery is a known complication. While some literature describes the ability of BMP to enhance fracture healing, few articles describe complications of BMP. In tibial plateau fractures, after elevating the cartilage en mass, a subchondral void may be created in these fractures. Structural support provided by bone void-filling agents can be augmented with osteoinduction achieved by BMP. We asked whether heterotopic bone formation would occur more frequently with BMP-2 when used in tibial plateau fractures and whether BMP-2 enhanced the ability to maintain surgically restored subchondral bone integrity. Heterotopic bone developed more frequently in patients receiving BMP (10 of 17) than in patients not receiving BMP (one of 23). Four patients receiving BMP and no patients not receiving BMP underwent removal of heterotopic bone. Maintenance of subchondral bone integrity was similar without and with the use of BMP. BMP is a potent osteoinductive agent; however, when used for an off-label indication in periarticular situations, complications such as heterotopic bone are common and increase reoperation rates