A research conducted by a team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) indicated that bone-morphogenetic protein (BMP), used in 25% of spinal fusion surgeries, lead to a higher rate of complications in certain types of fusions as well as greater hospital charges, as compared to fusions that do not use BMP. The primary increase was seen in wound-related complications and dysphagia or hoarseness.

Researchers at Brigham & Women’s Hospital have found that complications caused by some bone-growth products, used in spinal fusion surgery, increase hospital stays and costs between 11% and 41%. The research conducted by a team of scientists and published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” studied Medtronic Incorporated’s “InFuse” and Stryker Corporation’s “OP-1 Implant” and “OP-1 Putty” products.