The purpose of this study was to report an independent real-life experience about the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 in lumbar interbody fusion with a special focus on complications. This is a retrospective single-center cohort study between 2007 and 2013 including 277 patients treated for anterior or posterior lumbar fusion with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2. We report the complications occurring during the 12 first postoperative months and analyze the fusion rate on X-rays. There are 58 cases (22.8%) of clinical complications. In 15 cases (5.9%), these complications were related to the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2. Only one patient (0.4%) required a new intervention due to recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2. Fusion rate at 1 year was 98%. The low rate of specific complication suggests that recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 can be safe and effective in anterior and posterior interbody fusion when used with simple precautions.
Keywords: Complications; Heterotopic ossification; Lumbar interbody fusion; Radiculitis; Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein; Retrospective cohort.