Can the new recombinant bone protein be used in humans yet?

You must be referring to rh-BMP-2. This is a bone graft material called INFUSE Bone Graft approved for human use by the FDA in July 2002. INFUSE can be used in place of grafted or donated human bone. Approved uses include spinal fusion at one level for the treatment of patients with degenerative disc disease.

Use of INFUSE for early stages of a spine problem called spondylolisthesis is also approved. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one bone in the spine slips forward over the bone below it. The bones are fused together to keep this from slipping further.

INFUSE must be combined with a structure to support the bones. Usually, this is a cage inserted between the two bones. The graft material is applied to a sponge and can’t resist the forces of movement. It can’t be used alone and is placed inside the cage.