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Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in the Treatment of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Gregory D Schroeder1, Wellington K Hsu, Christopher K Kepler
1*The Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA †Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
Study Design:
A questionnaire survey.
Objective:
To report the current use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in lumbar fusion procedures for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), and identify associated factors including fusion technique, surgeon location, surgeon specialty, or surgeon practice model.
Summary Of Background Data:
The prevalence of rhBMP-2 use in fusions increased dramatically from 0.7% in 2002 to 24.7% in 2006, however more recent studies have identified significant complications with its use. Furthermore, an independent review of the industry-sponsored trial data has demonstrated no significant difference in fusion rates or clinical results with the use of rhBMP-2 compared with iliac-crest autograft.
Methods:
In July 2014, a survey was sent requesting information on the usage of rhBMP-2 in the treatment of DS. Determinants included the fusion technique, geographic location, specialty, and associated practice models. No funding was received for this work.
Results:
Overall, 7.8% +/- 2.0% of surgeons reported using rhBMP-2 when performing an open L4-L5 posterolateral fusion for DS; 6.2% +/- 1.8% reported using rhBMP-2 for an open L4-L5 interbody fusion, and 12.1% +/- 2.5% reported using rhBMP-2 for a L4-L5 minimally invasive (MIS) interbody fusion. The variables that were statistically associated with the use of rhBMP-2 were North America surgeons (P < 0.0001) and the type of procedure (P = 0.0005).
Conclusion:
Compared with historical data, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of surgeons using rhBMP-2 in lumbar fusion procedures for the treatment of DS. Currently, rhBMP-2 is more commonly used by surgeons in North America and those performing MIS interbody fusions.
Level Of Evidence:
N/A.
