title: Use of rhBMP-2 in combination with structural cortical allografts: clinical and radiographic outcomes in anterior lumbar spinal surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 soaked into an absorbable collagen sponge (rhBMP-2/ACS) has been shown in a nonhuman primate study and in a pilot study in humans to promote new bone formation and incorporation of an allograft device when implanted in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis. However, a larger series with longer follow-up is needed to demonstrate its superiority to autogenous iliac crest bone graft.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1998 and 2001, a two-part, prospective, randomized, multicenter study of 131 patients was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of the use of rhBMP-2/ACS as a replacement for autogenous iliac crest bone graft in anterior lumbar spinal arthrodesis with threaded cortical allograft dowels. Patients were randomly assigned to a study group that received rhBMP-2/ACS or to a control group that received autograft. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were determined with use of well-established instruments and radiographic assessments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients in the study group had significantly better outcomes than the control group with regard to the average length of surgery (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), and hospital stay (p = 0.020). Fusion rates were significantly better in the study group (p < 0.001). The average Oswestry Disability Index scores, Short-Form-36 physical component summary scores, and low-back and leg-pain scores were significantly better in the study group (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis with threaded allograft cortical bone dowels, rhBMP-2/ACS was an effective replacement for autogenous bone graft and eliminated the morbidity associated with graft harvesting.
authors.affiliation: Wilderness Spine Services, The Hughston Clinic, 6262 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA 31909, USA. jkb66@knology.net
authors.forename: J Kenneth
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Burkus
authors.forename: Harvinder S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Sandhu
authors.forename: Matthew F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Gornet
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Longley
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000637:transplantation*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: C525718:BMP2 protein, human; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; C499469:recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2