Formation of Painful Seroma and Edema After the Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Fusions

There seems to be an increased incidence of formation of sterile seroma and painful edema in the lumbar region after posterolateral fusion with rhBMP-2. This report, along with other series highlighting the potential complications of bone morphogenetic proteins, suggests that more caution should be used when these compounds are used. Further studies are required to better define the risks and benefits of using bone morphogenetic proteins for spine surgery.