Level of Clinical Evidence

Bone grafting procedures continue to be an important and common surgery performed in the foot and ankle. Alternatives to autogenously harvested are continuously discovered and researched. A novel allogeneic morphogenetic protein harvesting process has shown promise in spine fusion surgery. A retrospective chart and radiographic review of the first 10 consecutive patients to utilize this graft was undertaken to determine initial outcomes and safety profile. Ultimately fusion was obtained in 90% (9 out of 10) of patients, and in 95.7% (22 out of 23) of arthrodesis sites. Weight bearing occurred at 59.9 ± 20.6 days, and radiographic union took place at 78.5 ± 42.4 days. Based on these initial results the graft appears safe and effective. Because of several inherent advantages of the graft, further study should be undertaken.