RhBMP-2 use in lumbar fusion surgery is associated with transient immediate post-operative leg pain

Purpose Supra-physiological rhBMP loads during spinal fusion may trigger local inflammation and post-operative radiculitis. MRI is an effective tool to detect nerve root compression in severe post-operative leg pain. The aim of this study was to determine if recombinant bone morphogenic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) is associated with immediate post-operative leg pain without evidence of root compression using MRI.