This 2002 JBJS Current Concepts Review by Lieberman, Daluiski, and Einhorn examines the biology and clinical potential of five growth factors — BMP, TGF-β, FGF, PDGF, and IGF — in bone repair. It synthesizes preclinical animal data and early human trials to evaluate which factors are ready for clinical translation and what delivery challenges remain.
When considering biologics for a nonunion or spine fusion, think: BMP is the only growth factor with Level I human data supporting equivalence to autograft — but the carrier matters as much as the molecule, and high doses needed with collagen sponge translate directly to cost and potential ectopic bone risk.
This 2002 JBJS Current Concepts Review by Lieberman, Daluiski, and Einhorn examines the biology and clinical potential of five growth factors — BMP, TGF-β, FGF, PDGF, and IGF — in bone repair. It synthesizes preclinical animal data and early human trials to evaluate which factors are ready for clinical translation and what delivery challenges remain.
When considering biologics for a nonunion or spine fusion, think: BMP is the only growth factor with Level I human data supporting equivalence to autograft — but the carrier matters as much as the molecule, and high doses needed with collagen sponge translate directly to cost and potential ectopic bone risk.