In Brief:
When transduced with adenovirus BMP-2 construct (Ad/BMP-2), human ligamentum flavum cells demonstrated up-regulation of osteogenic phenotypes, i.e., alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin expression, as well as bone nodule formation in von Kossa stain. Ligamentum flavum in vivo with Ad/BMP-2 also exhibited de novo osteogenesis. Therefore, genetically modified ligamentum flavum with Ad/BMP-2 proved to have an osteogenic potential, which could be applicable in spinal fusion surgery as a substitute for autogenous bone graft.