Thanks to a new DNA technique, in future thousands of Dutch people with serious back conditions will be able to undergo operations that use less intrusive procedures. Until now, a piece of hip bone was removed for back operations. This will soon become unnecessary if it is possible to successfully manufacture synthetic Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP), which are made by the body when a bone is broken. In Utrecht, this technique is being studied by orthopedic surgeon Cumhur Öner. In January he received the Anna Award for his work. This award is given every two years to a scientist with exceptional achievements in the field of musculoskeletal research.
The BMP proteins replicate the natural healing process. Öner: “The new approach means we can get by with a smaller operation that has fewer complications.” He is conducting the BMP research together with colleagues in academic centers in France, Spain, Italy, and soon also in Germany. According to Öner, although the new approach is more expensive, this is offset by considerable improvements in the quality of life.