[A meta-analysis of bone morphogenetic protein for the treatment of open tibial fractures]

To systematically assess the clinical efficacy of bone morphogenetic proteins in the treatment of open tibial fractures.

Based on the principles and methods of Cochrane systematic reviews, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Bio-medicine Database, China Journal Full-text Database, VIP database were searched from their establishment to April 2012 in whatever language. Related journals were handsearched as well. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of bone morphogenetic protein for the treatment of open tibial fractures were included. The quality of the included trials according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version was assessed. The Cochrane Collaboration's software RevMan 5.1 was used for meta-analysis.

Three RCTs totaling 851 patients were included. The results showed that bone morphogenetic protein had no significant differences in fracture healing [RR = 1.16, 95% CI (0.95,1.41), P = 0.15], but lower secondary interventions incidence rate [RR = 0.72, 95% CI (0.58, 0.89), P = 0.003]. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of adverse events of infection [RR = 1.31, 95% CI (0.94, 1.81), P = 0.11] and pain [RR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.79, 1.08), P = 0.30].

Bone morphogenetic protein has certain advantages in treating open tibial fractures. It needs more high-quality articles to assess the long-term effect of different courses of treatments. The above conclusion still needs more high-quality randomized controlled trails to be verified owing to the limitations of the number and quality of systematic review included studies.