Authors' recommendations: The evidence presented in this report supports the use of rhBMP-2 in posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) as some outcomes may be superior to that of autograft alone. There are no statistically significant differences in clinical effectiveness outcomes for rhBMP-2 use in the treatment of long bone nonunion yet there is some limited evidence that rhBMP-2 use has the possible advantages of significantly less treatment failure and fewer secondary interventions for treatment of tibial fractures. Although the evidence reviewed in this report does not directly compare rhBMP-2 with rhBMP-7, it does provide more support for the use of rhBMP-2 in spinal fusion surgeries and the treatment of long bone nonunion. There is limited evidence to suggest serious acute adverse events following the use of BMPs in cervical spinal fusion surgeries. There was limited evidence of a significant increase in the incidence of retrograde ejaculation (RE) following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery using BMPs. This report also finds a significant evidence gap regarding an association between cancer incidence and BMP exposure.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/apr-2013/RC0432%20BMPs%20for%20Spinal%20Surgery%20and%20Long%20Bone%20Trauma%20Final.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)