Matthews John R, Margolis David S, Wu Eileen, Truchan Lisa M
College of Medicine - Tucson, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arizona, 1609 North Warren Avenue, Room 108, Tucson, AZ 85719.
JBJS Case Connect. 2015 Sep 23;5(3):e81. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.N.00187.
Although recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is approved for treatment of open tibial fractures and anterior lumbar interbody fusion, off-label use has been associated with complications such as local inflammation, osteolysis, and dysphagia. This case report describes a patient treated with rhBMP-2 for an atrophic delayed union of a clavicular fracture who subsequently developed a profound motor and sensory brachial plexopathy.
Use of rhBMP-2 near peripheral nerves may cause neuropathy. This should be considered prior to its use in surgical sites with peripheral nerves in proximity.
