A trial of alveolar cleft bone regeneration by controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein: an experimental study in rabbits

Objective. Autologous bone grafting is a currently preferred method for alveolar cleft bone regeneration. However, there are some disadvantages to this technique, including the limited availability of donor sites. In this study, we introduce a novel graft material of gelatin hydrogel enabling the controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) for alveolar cleft bone regeneration. Study design. Gelatin hydrogels incorporating BMP-2 or BMP-2-free solution and BMP-2 solution were applied to experimental alveolar clefts prepared in the maxillary bone of rabbits. As an additional control, the alveolar clefts were left untreated. Bone regeneration at the alveolar clefts was evaluated by microfocus computerized tomographic, histologic, and histomorphometric examinations. Results. Significant bone regeneration was observed in the alveolar clefts treated with gelatin hydrogels incorporating BMP-2 compared with other groups. Conclusion. Gelatin hydrogels incorporating BMP-2 is a promising material for the bone regeneration of alveolar clefts. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 812-820)