Reconstruction of cleft palate with bone morphogenetic protein in sheep: a feasibility pilot study

Introduction: Surgical repair of cleft palate with a bony bridge may offer some distinct advantages including a lower rate of fistula formation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of surgically inducing cleft palate and reconstruction of the cleft with the use of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in sheep. Materials and Methods: In the control group (two sheep), the cleft palate was repaired with standard von Langenbeck technique. In the study group (two sheep), the cleft was repaired with the same technique with the exception that a BMP-2 gel was placed between the two oral and nasal layers. Two months after cleft repair surgery, animals were sacrificed and the cleft sites were evaluated histologically with the use of light microscopy. Results: The results showed that surgically inducing cleft palate and repairing the cleft is feasible in sheep. Microscopic evaluation showed no bone formation in control group and minor bone formation in the study group. Conclusion: To determine whether BMP-2 is a useful adjunct to standard cleft palate repair techniques, an animal study with larger population is required.