Promoted as an alternative to traditional spinal surgery, Medtronic Infuse is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) that is designed to encourage bone growth and fuse the gaps between vertebrae.
Infuse Bone Graft Side Effects
When Medtronic first initiated studies in 1999 on BMP, researchers discovered that 70 percent of patients developed unnatural bone growth called ectopic bone growth. In 2004, when the study was finally published, the dangers were deemphasized.
Congressional investigators found that Medtronic paid out $210 million to authors of studies sponsored by the company. Those studies appeared to have purposefully left out findings that suggest Infuse could increase the risk of unnatural bone growth, as well as the risk of male sterility, cancer, and back and leg pain. Basically, this company, which has a decent reputation, was running amok chasing profits.
Two new studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine now suggest that in addition to exposing the patient to certain side effects, Medtronic’s controversial Infuse bone growth provides no benefits over traditional spine surgery.
Studies have found complications such as:
- Cancer
- Male Sterility
- Respiratory problems
- Nerve damage
- Chronic pain
- Speaking difficulty
- Bone dissolution
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Medtronic now faces a number of lawsuits that have been brought nationwide by individuals who have experienced side effects following the off-label use of the device. At some point, it seems like the FDA needs to step up and assert themselves. I’ve seen them do it. But it just appears to be so random.
If you have used Medtronic Infuse for bone growth and have had any injuries, including additional surgeries, sterility, cancer or swelling, contact us at 1.800.553.8082 or go online to for an online consultation.