Demineralized bone matrix

Abstract

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a form of allogenic bone that is readily available to the orthopedic surgical community. Because autogenous bone grafting has a significant related morbidity and requires a second site of surgery, many surgeons over the past decade have opted to find an alternative. DBM offers that alternative because of its intrinsic properties of osteoconduction and osteoinduction. It has been shown in animal models from rats to nonhuman primates to be efficacious and effective. However, solid prospective data still eludes this field of research. Some retrospective studies have been published showing the efficacy of DBM and within the coming year the first prospective studies should also be published with more comprehensive data. Although the potential of DBM was first described almost 40 years ago, it has only been clinically available since the early 1990s. Mounting interest in this applied science has come with many of the early growing pains. Because it is not currently a regulated device by the Food and Drug Administration, many of the commercially available products differ greatly in their preparation, therefore, effecting their overall osteoinductive potential.