Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 for Treatment of Open Tibial Fractures

Abstract

Four hundred and fifty patients with an open tibial fracture were randomized to receive either intramedullary nail fixation and routine soft-tissue management only, or with the addition of an implant containing either 0.75 mg / mL or 1.50 mg / mL of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). In this study, the use of 1.50 mg / mL of rhBMP significantly reduced the number and invasiveness of secondary procedures, accelerated fracture and wound healing, and reduced the rates of infection, hardware failure, and overall pain.