Wachstumshormone und BMP

Abstract

BMP (bone morphogenetic proteins) belong to the TGFβ superfamily and appear to play a central role in fracture healing. Two growth factors have been in use since 2001 as an approved therapy option for the delayed healing of fractures or open lower leg fractures: BMP-7 for delayed fracture healing and BMP-2 for open lower leg fractures. The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of the BMP in fracture healing and compare fracture healing without the use of bone growth factors. Patients who were treated with BMP-7 following repeated attempts to treat atrophic pseudoarthrosis of the tibia were compared with a large standardized collective of patients with first-time spongiosa plastic. Patients receiving BMP-7 showed significantly better bone fusion in the fracture area at radiological examination at four months. In order to prove the advantages of this procedure, as well as to be able to recommend it as a treatment modality, further studies on larger patient collectives and prospective control groups are needed. © 2008 Springer Medizin Verlag.