beta-TCP Versus Autologous Bone for Repair of Alveolar Clefts in a Goat Model.

Objective : The aim of this study in goats was to test the hypothesis that a novel synthetic bone substitute beta tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) can work as well as autologous bone harvested from the iliac crest for grafting and repair of alveolar clefts. Design : Ten adult Dutch milk goats ( Capra hircus ) were used in a split-mouth study design. Main outcome measures : Volumetric histologic assessment of new bone formation and radiographic measurement of orthodontic movement of teeth in a formerly created alveolar cleft. Conclusions : The synthetic bone substitute beta-TCP was shown to result in bone healing similar to that of iliac crest bone. The surgical, orthodontic, and histologic results now warrant the testing of beta-TCP in the human cleft situation