Introduction: Mandibular continuity defects are frequently caused by tumour removal or significant trauma. Reconstructive procedures of segmental mandible defects often require bone graft harvesting, which results in donor site morbidity; the use of tissue-engineered bone might mitigate this problem. Aim of this study is to clinically and radiographically evaluates the long-term results of the rhBMP2 and ACS placing in a case of severe and large mandibulary bone defect.

Materials and methods: 5 patients with lesions of the body and angle of the mandible resulting from neoplastic diseases were treated with rhBMP-2, used alone with the collagen carrier without concomitant bone materials. Cases were followed over a period from 3 to 5 years. Radiographic and clinical exams show a good healing with non-significant complication.

Discussion and conclusion: For mandibular continuity defects not associated with significant soft tissue loss, non-vascularized autogenous bone has been shown to provide excellent results. The advantages compared with microvascular free-tissue transfer is on the more limited donor site. An ideal osseous grafting treatment should involve use of a bone inductive material that would be reliable, biocompatible, long-lasting, and capable of restoring mandibular continuity with minimal morbidity. In the cases we described important success were obtained using rhMBP2, in 5 cases of mandibulary reconstruction after resection of large portion of the angle of the mandible.

The osteoinductive capabilities of rhBMP-2 have been widely studied in different bone healing environments. The aim of this work is to confirm the predictability of the use of rhBMP-2 in mandibular reconstruction.

Conflict of interest: None declared.