Point-counter-point debate: the association between recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein utilization and complications in spine surgery.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been utilized in spine surgery for over 10 years as a bone graft substitute. Potential BMP-related adverse effects including retrograde ejaculation and heterotopic neuroforaminal bone formation have been described. Additionally, some studies have suggested an association between BMP and cancer. Inconsistencies exist in the published spine literature with regards to the incidence and association of complications with BMP utilization. In a point-counterpoint format, this article discusses the current evidence concerning the relationship between the utilization of BMP in spinal fusion and the risk of cancer, retrograde ejaculation (RE), neuroforaminal bone formation, and its role in anterior cervical spine surgery and adolescents.