[Clinical experience with bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP 7) in nonunions of long bones].
BACKGROUND
Nonunions of long bone fractures are considerable therapeutic and economic problems with increasing tendency. Basic surgical options are autogenous cancellous bone grafting, rod dynamization, reamed nailing, plate fixation with compression, and bone transport techniques. If these methods fail to work, alternative treatment options are needed.


METHODS
Since May 2001 treatment with recombinant human (rh) bone morphogenic protein 7 [BMP-7 or osteogenic protein 1 (OP-1)] in combination with a type one collagen carrier has gained interest. BMP 7 induces the formation of new bone by differentiation of stem cells, thereby initiating the reaction cascade of osteogenesis. Nonunions over 9 months and unsuccessful bone grafting delineate the indication.


RESULTS
We report our experience with 21 patients and nonunion of long bone fractures. Between July 2002 and June 2004, 23 units of BMP 7 were implanted. The implantation sites were 7 femora, 12 tibias, 2 humeri, and 2 forearms. In ten cases BMP 7 was combined with a new osteosynthesis and bone grafting and in five patients with bone grafting alone. In contrast in eight patients BMP 7 was applied as a single procedure without any bone grafting or any change of the osteosynthesis.


CONCLUSIONS
There were no peri- or postoperative complications. Follow-up was obtained for a minimum of 6 months. Of 23 implantations, 22 were successful with bony healing revealed by clinical and radiological evaluation. In one patient no bony consolidation of the nonunion has been seen so far. In summary, based on our results we propose BMP 7 as an additional innovative therapy of long bone nonunions.
Zimmermann
G
G
Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik, Ludwig-Guttmann-Strasse 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen. Zimmermann@BGU-Ludwigshafen.de
Moghaddam
A
A
Wagner
C
C
Vock
B
B
Wentzensen
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D050280:Arm Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries*; D055419:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007867:Leg Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C525819:BMP7 protein, human; D055419:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta