Application of the biological principle of induced osteogenesis for craniofacial defects.

Demineralised bone implants were used for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction and construction in 34 patients, 28 with congenital deformities and 6 with acquired defects. The patients' ages ranged from 15 months to 59 years (mean 18 years). In 33 cases, the implants were obtained from cadaver femurs; in 1 case, the implant was prepared from the patient's own skull. Early healing was assessed by clinical and radiographic examination and, when appropriate, by biopsy. Longer follow-up will be required to determine whether resorption has been avoided. The clinical advantages are rapid union, healing of large defects, avoidance of harvesting procedures, and the potentially unlimited supply of banked material.