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Spine Anatomy & Glossary A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z BMP - bone morphogenetic protein. A copy of a protein which is normally made in the body. This protein causes bone formation and fusion. bone strut - A bone graft which is placed between two vertebral bodies to give structural support and eventually cause a bone fusion. bone spurs - Occurs commonly in the spine due to the natural aging process (osteoarthritis). Bone spurs can occasionally push on nerves causing arm and leg pain. bone graft - Pieces of bone which are placed between the vertebrae that eventually grow together forming a spinal fusion. burst fracture - A common pattern seen in the vertebral bodies when a traumatic episode occurs and causes the bone to fracture (break).