Trauma, disease, developmental deformities, and tumor resection freque
ntly cause bone defects that seriously challenge the skills of orthope
dic and maxillofacial surgeons. Currently, repairing osseous deficienc
ies involves various medical surgical techniques, including autogenous
grafts, allografts, internal and external fixation devices, electrica
l stimulation. and alloplastic implants. The existing technology, thou
gh effective in many cases, still is beset with numerous difficulties
and disadvantages. A critical need for improved treatment methods exis
ts today. Biotechnology now provides access to new bone repair concept
s via administration of protein growth and morphogenic factors. Implan
table device and drug delivery system technologies also have advanced.
The converging biopharmaceutical, device, and delivery technologies r
epresent an opportunity to improve the quality of health care for indi
viduals with orthopedic and maxillofacial deficiencies. This report re
views current concepts in fracture healing and bone repair and examine
s existing treatment modalities. It also addresses novel protein drugs
that stimulate osseous regeneration and delivery systems for these dr
ugs.