Recombinant Human Osteogenic Protein-1 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7) as an Osteoinductive Agent in Spinal Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: The data related to spinal applications of osteogenic protein-1 presented at national meetings or published in peer-reviewed literature are reviewed. OBJECTIVES: To review the available data related to the use of osteogenic protein-1 for spinal arthrodesis. REVIEW OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osteogenic protein-1 (bone morphogenetic protein-7) is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family and has shown strong osteoinductivity in vivo. METHODS: The background related to osteogenic protein-1 for spinal applications and the known studies presented at national meetings or published in the peer-reviewed literature are reviewed. RESULTS: Osteogenic protein-1 is able to achieve solid bony fusion of the spine in both the anterior and posterolateral environments in animal studies and has a good safety profile. Early human trials appear to be promising. CONCLUSIONS: Animal studies support the ability of osteogenic protein-1 to enhance or replace autograft for spinal arthrodesis in both the posterolateral and interbody environment. Human trials ultimately will provide data to clarify the optimal role of osteogenic protein-1 in human spinal surgery.