Epidemiologic trends in the utilization, demographics, and cost of bone morphogenetic protein in spinal fusions.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) utilization as an adjunct for spinal arthrodesis has gained considerable momentum among spine surgeons. Despite carrying Food and Drug Administration approval for only single level anterior lumbar interbody fusion from L4-S1, the majority of BMP administration is in "off label" settings. Over the last decade, BMP utilization has increased in all facets of spine surgery with the only exception being the anterior cervical spine, in which a downward trend resulted following the 2008 Food and Drug Administration warnings. The future application of BMP in spinal fusion, especially in anterior cervical fusions, will need to be further clarified in terms of efficacy, complications, and cost-effectiveness.