Soft Tissue Swelling Associated with the Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in Long Bone Non-unions

This report describes two cases of long bone non-union associated with the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and is the first of its kind. The first case describes a 25-year-old male who sustained a left diaphyseal femoral shaft fracture initially treated with operative fixation using an intramedullary nail, which subsequently loosened distally and was treated with exchange nailing and rhBMP-2 application. This patient developed acute local soft tissue inflammation post-operatively. The second case describes a 61-year-old female who sustained a right diaphyseal humeral shaft fracture that was initially treated with intramedullary nail fixation with subsequent distal interlock screw loosening. She underwent nail removal, and compression plating with rhBMP-2 placement, and postoperatively developed severe acute local tissue swelling centered over the rhBMP-2 sponge. Surgeons should be aware that rhBMP-2 may cause local acute tissue swelling and recombinant bone morphogenic proteins such as rhBMP-2 may have a role in the management for atrophic fracture non-unions. The authors recommend careful consideration prior to rhBMP-2 use in long bone non-unions.