Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been used to augment bone healing and fusion in a variety of orthopaedic conditions. However, there is a paucity of data evaluating the potential benefits of its use in foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and associated complications with the use of rhBMP-2 in high-risk foot and ankle fusions and fracture nonunions.

A total of 51 cases in 48 patients undergoing foot and ankle fusions or fracture nonunion revisions and considered at high risk for subsequent nonunion were identified through a retrospective review in which rhBMP-2 was used as an augment for bone healing. Rate of union, time to union, and associated complications were evaluated.

Forty-seven of 51 high-risk cases treated with rhBMP-2 united for a per-case union rate of 92.2%. Seventy-eight of 82 individual sites treated with rhBMP-2 united for a per-site union rate of 95.1%. Of the successful unions, the mean time to union was 111 days (95% confidence interval, 101-121). There were no statistically significant differences in time to union with regard to supplementation with bone allograft or autograft or size of rhBMP-2 kit used. Complication rates were low.

rhBMP-2 was a safe and apparently effective adjunct to bony union in high-risk foot and ankle surgeries. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.

IV Retrospective Case Series