Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
Bone morphogenetic proteins in open fractures: past, present, and future
Aaron Nauth1, Jukka Ristiniemi, Michael D McKee
1Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, Suite 800, 55 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1R6, Canada.
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) show promise for treating open fractures, potentially reducing treatment failures and improving patient outcomes. This review evaluates current evidence and research needs for BMPs in fracture management.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Regenerative medicine
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Open fractures present complex management challenges with high rates of treatment failure.
- Significant patient disability and dissatisfaction are common complications.
- Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are being investigated to improve fracture healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific rationale for using BMPs in open fracture treatment.
- To evaluate existing clinical evidence on BMP efficacy in open fractures.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations and identify future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical trials and scientific literature.
- Analysis of BMP applications in acute open fracture management and delayed reconstruction.
- Grading of recommendations based on synthesized evidence.
Main Results:
- BMPs have a scientific basis for promoting bone healing in fracture contexts.
- Evidence for BMP use in acute and delayed open fracture management varies.
- Specific applications and dosages require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- BMPs offer potential therapeutic benefits for open fractures.
- Further high-quality research is needed to optimize BMP use and clinical guidelines.
- Evidence-based recommendations can guide current clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Bone Remodeling
Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...

