Method: Twenty four patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate underwent secondary alveolar bone grafting procedures, before permanent canine eruption. They were randomly assigned to groups control (iliac crest cancellous bone, which has been the gold standard for the past 30 years) and test (rhBMP-2 in an absorbable collagen sponge). They were evaluated 6 months and 1 year postoperative with periapical radiographs and computed tomographs, which were submitted to the assessment of 5 judges in 2 different moments, regarding the bone height, thickness and volume in the cleft area.
Result: For control group, radiographic examination revealed success index for bone height 81,82% 6 months and 83,33% 1 year postoperative; for test group, findings were 91,67% first control and 100% 1 year. Computed tomograph revealed 70% 6 months and 75% 1 year for control group, 91,67% first control and 100% 1 year for bone height test group. Volume ratios were 45,34% bone filling 6 months and 53,33% 1 year for control group and 40,63% 6 months and 53,1% 1 year for test. There was no statistical significance.
Conclusion: rhBMP-2 in an absorbable collagen sponge induced new bone formation close to that from iliac crest cancellous bone to repair complete alveolar clefts.