Transformation of a prefabricated hydroxyapatite/osteogenic protein-1 implant into a vascularised pedicled bone flap in the human chest.

We describe the intramuscular transformation of a hydroxyapatite/osteogenic protein-1 (HA/OP-1) composite implant, into a vascularised pedicled bone flap useful for reconstruction of a hemi-mandible. Extraskeletal induction of a bone flap for transplantation was achieved without the addition of harvested bone, bone marrow, or stem cells. Five months after apparent clinical success, an MRSA infection of the graft led to its failure. The background to ectopically induced bone flaps is introduced, with our experience in a human case presented. The results from this emerging biotechnology are discussed in the light of limited human clinical experience.