Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Comparison of Fusion, Dysphagia, and Complication Rates Between Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate

IntroductionAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most common spinal procedures performed. A direct comparison of the fusion and complication rates between recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP2) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (bTCP) has not been reported.MethodsA retrospective study of 191 consecutive patients who underwent ACDF with polyetheretherketone plastic fusion spacers during a 2-year period with either rhBMP2 (n = 84, 46%) or bTCP (n = 107, 56%) was performed. Patients underwent 1- (35%), 2- (41%), 3- (20%), and 4- (4%) level operations. The primary outcome measure was mature arthrodesis, with secondary measures including clinical outcomes and complication occurrence. Fusion was graded on plain lateral radiographs, with median length of follow-up of 12 months.ResultsRates of cervical fusion were significantly greater for patients treated with rhBMP2 than bTCP at both 6 months (70% vs. 26%, P = 0.000) and 12 months (99% vs. 85%, P = 0.000). Postoperative dysphagia was reported in 35 patients (18%), with no difference in dysphagia incidence between rhBMP2 and bTCP (20% vs. 17%, P = 0.5); however, dysphagia was more severe in the rhBMP2 group, with greater rates of readmission and steroid use (both P < 0.05). A multivariable sensitivity analyses to control for patient characteristics and number of spinal fusion levels showed no differences in dysphagia rate between rhBMP2 and bTCP.ConclusionsIn our cohort, the rate of mature arthrodesis after ACDF was greater with rhBMP2 compared with bTCP with no increased incidence of postoperative dysphagia; however, dysphagia severity was greater in the rhBMP2 cohort.