Repair of Segmental Defects of the Tibia with Cancellous Bone Grafts Augmented with Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein

Abstract

Human bone morphogenetic protein (hBMP) is a bone cell differentiation-inducing factor. Six patients with traumatic segmental three- to 17-cm tibial defects developed solid union by implantation of hBMP and autogeneic cancellous grafts and stabilization. There were no allergic, infectious, or surgical complications. If hBMP augmentation in biodegradable delivery systems can be established by a prospective, randomized, double-blind investigation, the incidence of successful bone graft operations for treatment of large segmental defects would be measurably improved.