GROWTH-FACTORS - POSSIBLE NEW CLINICAL TOOLS - A REVIEW

Bone tissue contains numerous cell-to-cell signaling peptides called g rowth factors with potent effects on bone cell metabolism. In vivo stu dies over the last 5 years have demonstrated that growth factors can s timulate bone formation and bone healing and these results have made t hem candidates for use in orthopedic surgery. In numerous clinical con ditions enhanced bone formation and bone healing could improve the res ults of surgery; clinical trials using growth factors to stimulate bon e formation in spinal surgery, and to stimulate healing of bone defect s, have been initiated. Growth factors for clinical use will become co mmercially available in the near future. This review describes the mai n growth factors and their actions in vitro and in vivo in relation to bone tissue and bone healing. Possible areas for clinical use are als o discussed.