Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of an Optimized rhBMP-2 Formulation as an Autograft Replacement in Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Arthrodesis

Abstract

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in instrumented posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis decreases operative time and blood loss and produces earlier and higher fusion rates than does iliac crest bone graft. Clinical outcomes are similar to those with iliac crest bone graft. Thus, the need for harvesting iliac crest bone is eliminated along with the morbidities associated with the harvest procedure.