Trends in the Use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein–2 in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A 10-Year Analysis of 54 054 Patients

Background Bone morphogenetic protein–2 (BMP-2) is an available bone graft option in spinal fusion surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the trends of BMP-2 utilization in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2011 was reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years of age who underwent spinal fusion for ASD. Trends of BMP-2 use were examined over time, as well as stratified based on patient and surgical characteristics. All analyses were done after application of discharge weights to produce national estimates.

Results There were 54 054 patients who met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. The overall rate of BMP-2 use was 39.7% (95% confidence interval 35.0%- 44.3%). Overall, there was steady increase in its use over time, with the highest peak in 2009 (55.3% of all cases used BMP-2), and then a decrease up to 37.9% in 2011 (P < .001). The rate of BMP-2 use was significantly higher for patients older than 54 years of age (compared to patients <54, P < .001). It was also higher in females (P = .009), Caucasian patients (P = .006), and Medicare patients (P = .006). Its use was 28.6% in the Northeast, 38.1% in the South, 45.2% in the Midwest, and 48.2% in the West (P = .035). Circumferential procedures had the highest rate of BMP-2 use (44.3%, P = .045). Average total hospital charges were $152,403 ± 117,454 for patients who did not receive BMP-2 and $205,426 ± 137,561 for patients who did (P < .001).

Conclusion After analysis of a large nationwide database, it was found that the rate of BMP-2 use in ASD surgery is approximately 40%. There was a significant increase in use from 2002 to 2009, and a decrease thereafter. The highest rates of use were found in older patients, female patients, white patients, Medicare patients, circumferential approaches, and patients undergoing surgery in the Midwest and West regions.