Point of view

摘要

The authors of this study are quick to point out the differences between their work and the randomized controlled studies that first demonstrated increased fusion rate with the use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Rightly so, because data for the present study came from Medicare claims, capturing patterns of BMP use during spinal fusion in spinal stenosis patients aged 68 and older, regardless of approach and related diagnoses. This study is an on-the-ground snapshot of how BMP is used in the United States "outside the tightly controlled conditions of randomized trials," in the words of the authors.