Physiology of bone turnover and its application in contemporary maxillofacial surgery.

Hippokratia 2010; 14(4):244-248

Ch. Iliopoulos, L. Zouloumis, M. Lazaridou

Abstract

Backround: Bone formation and remodelling appear as normal developmental or healing processes being inducted by several factors as BMPs, biophysical forces and IGF. A local environment consisted of those factors is created and it is responsible for the changes in the direction bone formation-bone resorption. This exact dynamic property of the bone is evaluated and utilized in the reconstructive surgical treatment of craniofacial deformities.
Methods: Data with regard to the physiology of the biological process of bone turn over are initially analysed, followed by the applications of these mechanisms in orthognathic surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery and reconstructive surgery of midfacial deformities, including experimental data after a review of the contemporary international bibliography.
Results-Conclusion: The growing knowledge of bone physiology will influence future surgery techniques and that is going to lead to greater therapeutic capabilities for our patients.