Clinical induction of bone repair with demineralized bone matrix or a bone morphogenetic protein.

Treatment of orthopaedic lesions through induction of bone regeneration has produced promising results in laboratory animals and preliminary human trials. Both demineralized bone powder and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are being used clinically to treat bony defects without the need for an autogenous bone harvesting procedure. The historical perspective and laboratory rationale for osteoinduction is presented, as well as current and future clinical applications of demineralized bone powder and BMP.