Haubruck P, et al. - Researchers investigated whether or not serum concentrations of MMPs (matrix-metalloproteases) correlate with bone regeneration occurring during the course of the Masquelet-therapy. In addition, they examined MMPs as early biomarkers reflecting successful bone regeneration and tissue remodeling. This study supports MMPs as potential biomarkers for bone remodeling. A distinct expression of MMP-2 seemed to have a correlation with successful bone regeneration, whereas patients at a higher risk for a poor outcome of the Masquelet-therapy could be identified via initial overexpression of MMP-2 serum levels. Furthermore, the serum analysis of the ratio of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was introduced as a promising novel modality for early prediction of the outcome of the Masquelet therapy. Further analysis of this ratio over time subsequent to the second step may assist in identifying a favorable response to the induced membrane technique.