SYNTHETIC BONE-GRAFT SUBSTITUTES

Some of the most significant advances in biomaterials over the last 20 years have been in the field of bone graft substitutes. It is entirel y possible that within the next 10 years the majority of bone grafting in craniofacial surgery may be done with biologically active syntheti c materials rather than natural bone sources. At present, we have a la rge number of synthetic options for craniofacial skeletal augmentation and reconstruction that in many respects are superior to autogenous b one grafts. This article reviews those synthetic bone graft substitute s that currently have clinical application in facial plastic and recon structive surgery, and touches upon new biomaterials that should prove even more useful in the future.