Purpose: The off-label use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for the treatment of mandibular bone defects was evaluated in 5 patients. The rhBMP-2 was used as an alternative to autogenous bone grafting.
Patients and methods: A total of 5 patients had mandibular defects reconstructed with rhBMP-2, 1.5 mg/mL, soaked collagen sponges alone or in combination with bone marrow cells and allogenic cancellous bone chips. Four of the patients had mandibular continuity defects and the fifth patient had 2 large bone cavities following removal of dentigerous cysts. Radiographs and clinical examinations were used to evaluate healing. The longest patient follow-up was 22 months after reconstruction.
Results: Radiographic and clinical assessments revealed bone regeneration and restoration of the mandibular defects in 3 of the 5 patients. The rhBMP-2 failed in 2 patients with continuity defects. Both patients with failed rhBMP-2 grafts were successfully repaired using autogenous harvested from the iliac crest.
Conclusion: Mandibular bone defects can be successfully reconstructed using rhBMP-2 soaked sponges with and without including bone marrow cells and allogenic bone. Further studies are needed to determine the ideal combination of components that will predictably and reliably regenerate bone in different types of bone defects.