Composite implant of native bovine bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and biocoral in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions

Description: We report a preliminary study of a composite implant consisting of a biocoral frame, carrier collagen and bovine BMP in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions.
CONCLUSIONS: Only two wrists resulted in complete union. These preliminary results suggest that composite implant of BMP, as used in the present study, may not solve the problems encountered in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions. Poor vascular conditions in scaphoid may not provide enough mandatory osteogenic cells for BMP to function properly. In avascular conditions coral does not resorb edequately and implants may also work as a sequester between the bone graft and the scaphoid bone and therefore actually inhibit the healing process.
Composite implant of native bovine bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and biocoral in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions--a preliminary study. Kujala S, Raatikainen T, Ryhänen J, Kaarela O, Jalovaara P. Scand J Surg. 2002;91(2):186-90.