Abstract

Lecture 22

It's been almost 50 years since the discovery of BMPs in the 1960s. Despite the advances in technology we still remain in the infancy period concerning the development of the vast potential available from growth factors. A plethora of articles on platelet-derived growth factors have recently begun appearing in all areas of medicine. The results, techniques and experiences of the examiners have been varied. There have been very few physicians that have believed and used this technology since its inception 17 years ago, and still remain committed to its uses today.

This lecture will provide a review of the biology of BMPs and a literature review, 17 years of experience with its use in orthopaedics disorders, as well as a treatment protocol. Details on injection technique utilising C-arm and ultrasound guidance will also be discussed.

Current treatment regimens are costly, and variable in their results. It is the hope of many that these technologies will allow us to be proactive instead of reactive, therefore, taking the costly care out of the healthcare industry. For those of us that have tried this primordial soup, we feel its time to lead, follow, or get out of the way, as this technology is here to stay.