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Alternative bone source may be safe for alveolar cleft repair

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein with a demineralized bone matrix was safe and effective for alveolar cleft reconstruction.

The researchers conducted a retrospective chart review for 258 patients who underwent this procedure and 243 patients who underwent iliac crest bone graft (ICBG). There were 414 patients from a 12-year period who underwent the analysis. The mean follow-up duration was 2.9 years.

Prolonged intubation resulting from intra-operative airway swelling was reported in the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2)/demineralized bone (DBM) group. However, clinicians did not believe this was caused by rhBMP-2. There were 36 cases of facial swelling in the group undergoing the novel procedure, one of whom required outpatient steroid therapy. Dehiscence was reported in 12 patients in the rhBMP-2/DBM arm. However, 50% of these complications required no intervention for resolution.

Repeat surgery for cleft repair was necessary in 23 of the 228 patients in the study procedure arm and 28 of 242 patients treated with standard ICBG.

There were similar rates of canine tooth eruption into the cleft site in both study arms. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.