Formation of painful seroma and edema after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in posterolateral lumbar spine fusions.
BACKGROUND
The use of bone morphogenetic proteins for fusion augmentation in spine surgery has increased dramatically in recent years. Information is continually emerging regarding the effectiveness and safety profile of these compounds.


OBJECTIVE
We have noted an increased incidence in sterile seroma formation and painful edema after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for posterolateral lumbar fusion. We present a retrospective review to determine the incidence of seroma formation and to discuss its clinical implications.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the operative reports of patients who underwent posterolateral lumbar fusion with the addition of rhBMP-2. We identified all patients who required surgical exploration of a postoperative sterile seroma.


RESULTS
Of the 130 patients who underwent posterolateral lumbar fusion with rhBMP-2, 6 (4.6%) were returned to the operating room for exploration of a sterile seroma. The total amount of rhBMP-2 delivered to the posterolateral space per patient was 2.1 to 14.7 mg (mean, 8.4 mg per patient). The patients were returned to the operating room 5 to 13 days (mean, 7.7 days) after their initial surgery, and infection was ruled out in all cases by intraoperative cultures.


CONCLUSIONS
There seems to be an increased incidence of formation of sterile seroma and painful edema in the lumbar region after posterolateral fusion with rhBMP-2. This report, along with other series highlighting the potential complications of bone morphogenetic proteins, suggests that more caution should be used when these compounds are used. Further studies are required to better define the risks and benefits of using bone morphogenetic proteins for spine surgery.
Garrett
Mark P
MP
Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013-4496, USA.
Kakarla
Udaya K
UK
Porter
Randall W
RW
Sonntag
Volker K H
VK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D049291:Seroma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D055009:Spondylosis / Q000601:surgery
C525718:BMP2 protein, human; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins