Growth factors and bone regeneration: how much bone can we expect?

A large body of research has investigated the use of growth factors for bone regeneration, as a potential alternative to autogenous bone grafting. The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) represent the most extensively investigated growth factors to date, as potential therapeutic agents for bone regeneration. Despite decades of research, the ideal growth factor or combination of growth factors for bone regeneration remains undefined. This article reviews the current available evidence for the application of growth factors for bone regeneration, with a focus on the clinical evidence for BMP use. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical evidence for growth factors other than the BMPs is also discussed.