β-TCP versus Autologous Bone for Repair of Alveolar Clefts in a Goat Model

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study in goats was to test the hypothesis that a novel synthetic bone substitute beta tricalcium phosphate (β-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 β-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 β-TCP in the human cleft situation.