Assessment of effects of rhBMP-2 on interbody fusion with a novel rat model

BACKGROUND CONTEXT The effects of using off-label recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 for interbody fusion are controversial. Although animal models of posterolateral fusion are well-established, establishing animal models to validate the safety and efficacy of interbody fusion is difficult, which may contribute to the inconsistent clinical results. PURPOSE To develop a novel animal model of interbody fusion in rat coccygeal...