Fusion material

[Mojo's Mom]

Is BMP being used more frequently now, or is it still experimental? I am going by the information in the Wolper book, which is now 4 years old at least.

[LindaRacine]

Hi Stephanie...

I don't know if it's used more now, although it seems that way. It really depends on one's insurance company.

--Linda

[Mojo's Mom]

I have no doubt my insurance wouldn't dream of covering the cost of BMP, but I thought I would consider paying for it myself if it seemed like the best option. Of course, I don't know just how expensive it is...

[osumike]

Im getting BMP for my surgery in a couple days. I was told it costs about $1000 per milligram, and I'd need anywhere between 160 and 240 milligrams for a T11- sacrum fusion. My insurance company still hasnt approved the use of BMP, but we're going ahead with surgery as scheduled.

I dont think its still in the experimental stage...Im reading a paper I got from Bernie about it right now.

Its been on the market since 2002. It is FDA approved. The process of making BMP is similar to the process of making insulin. Oh, it is only FDA approved for use in the anterior spine, at one level with a particular type of cage.

It seems the docs out here in St. Louis use BMP quite extensively.

[leahdragonfly]

I am scheduled for posterior fusion T10-pelvis in a month, and my surgeon will use BMP mixed with my bone marrow as the fusion material.

My insurance co approved my surgery without question or delay. When I asked the surgeons office's insurance person if the BMP was specifically covered, she said they don't put in a specific authorization request for it. She said the charges for it are included in the surgical charges, and she did not anticipate any problem at all with it being covered. I do have a history of a pseudoarthrosis from a fusion that was done in 1984, so I have to think that might help the BMP be covered--who knows.

[titaniumed]

BMP usage on the rise

Study: 85% of BMP Procedures Between 2002 and 2007 Used for Off-Label Applications

http://www.beckersorthopedicandspine...l-applications

BMP usage is on the rise.
Ed

[debbei]

My surgeon used BMP, plus some of my bone (that they remove from the spine--I forget what it's called), plus some cadaver bone. I remember asking, if BMP worked so well, why didn't they use that alone, and he said because insurance won't pay for 100% BMP. So I guess they have to work with each insurance's guidelines.

[KathK]

Dr Lenke told me that it would be like going back in time 9 years to not use BMP. I believe that he used a combination of BMP and my own bone material for my fusion.

[Mojo's Mom]

Thanks, all of you, this is a great help! You are the best!

[titaniumed]

Mine was BMP only. No bone at all was used. L1-Pelvis area only.

I was fused in 6 months. Also had permission to lift 100# at 6 months. Hard to believe, but true.
Ed

[JenniferG]

My surgery involved BMP, cadaver bone and bone taken from my spine.