BMPs and gene therapy for spinal fusion: summary statement.

The use of biologic technologies to engender spinal fusion is at various stages of scientific and clinical development. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 is now available for clinical use in anterior lumbar intervertebral fusion and has been extensively studied in other spinal fusion applications. Recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 7 is under examination in regulated clinical trials. Gene therapy technologies are in the preclinical stage of development. In time, biologic interventions will continue to capture greater roles in the treatment of spinal disease.