Disclosed are compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with a ceramic material or matrix or by administering hMSCs； fresh, whole marrow； or combinations thereof in a resorbable biopolymer which supports their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. Contemplated is the delivery of (i) isolated, culture-expanded, human mesenchymal stem cells； (ii) freshly aspirated bone marrow； or (iii) their combination in a carrier material or matrix to provide for improved bone fusion area and fusion mass, when compared to the matrix alone. The material or matrix can be a granular ceramic or three-dimensionally formed ceramic implant. The material or matrix can also be a resorbable biopolymer. The resorbable biopolymer is an absorbable gelatin, collagen or cellulose matrix, can be in the form of a powder or sponge, and is preferably a bovine skin-derived gelatin. The implants can be shaped as a cube, cylinder, block or an anatomical site. The compositions and methods can further include administering a bioactive factor such as a synthetic glucocorticoid, like dexamethasone, or a bone morphogenic protein, like BMP-2, BMP-3, BMP-4, BMP-6 and BMP-7.
