Clinical application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in 4 dogs

To describe outcome in dogs with insufficient bone healing treated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2).

Retrospective study.

Four dogs clinically affected with delayed union or nonunion bone healing.

Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical problem, treatment, and outcome.

Four dogs that had delayed- or nonunion of bone fracture, osteotomy, or arthrodesis were treated with either minimally invasive, fluoroscopically guided, percutaneous administration or direct surgical application of rhBMP-2. Doses used ranged from 0.2 to 1.6 mg of rhBMP-2. In 3 dogs, a calcium phosphate matrix (CPM) carrier was used whereas in 1 dog commercially prepared rhBMP-2 impregnated in an absorbable collagen sponge (INFUSE Bone Graft) was used. This latter dog had osteomyelitis associated with implant infection before rhBMP-2 administration. Rapid radiographic union was noted in all dogs with excellent long-term outcome. Adverse effects were minimal and included transient worsening of lameness after percutaneous administration of rhBMP-2 in 2 dogs.

rhBMP-2 stimulated rapid bone formation at delayed- or nonunion sites resulting in radiographic bone union with minimal adverse effects and excellent long-term outcome in 4 dogs.

Direct intraoperative administration or fluoroscopically guided, minimally invasive delivery of rhBMP-2 may be an effective treatment modality for bone delayed- or nonunions and could potentially be used to stimulate new bone production in a variety of orthopedic surgical conditions in dogs.