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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Evaluation of maxillary alveolar reconstruction using a resorbable collagen sponge with recombinant human bone
Nivaldo Alonso1, Daniela Yukie Sakai Tanikawa, Renato da Silva Freitas
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. nivalonso@gmail.com
Introduction:
A resorbable collagen matrix with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) was compared with traditional iliac crest bone graft for the closure of alveolar defects during secondary dental eruption.
Methods:
Sixteen patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, aged 8 to 12 years, were selected and randomly assigned to group 1 (rhBMP-2) or group 2 (iliac crest bone graft). Computed tomography was performed to assess both groups preoperatively and at months 6 and 12 postoperatively. Bone height and defect volume were calculated through Osirix Dicom Viewer (Pixmeo, Apple Inc.). Overall morbidity was recorded.
Results:
Preoperative and follow-up examinations revealed progressive alveolar bone union in all patients. For group 1, final completion of the defect with a 65.0% mean bone height was detected 12 months postoperatively. For group 2, final completion of the defect with an 83.8% mean bone height was detected 6 months postoperatively. Dental eruption routinely occurred in both groups. Clinical complications included significant swelling in three group 1 patients (37.5%) and significant donor-site pain in seven group 2 patients (87.5%).
Conclusions:
For this select group of patients with immature skeleton, rhBMP-2 therapy resulted in satisfactory bone healing and reduced morbidity compared with traditional iliac crest bone grafting.
