Internal Le Fort III distraction with biodegradable devices.

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial surgery
• Biomaterials science
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Distraction osteogenesis is a key technique for midface lengthening in pediatric craniofacial anomalies.
• Internal metallic distraction devices offer advantages but pose removal challenges.
• Current systems require removal of multiple components, increasing surgical complexity.

Observation:

• A novel approach utilizes resorbable MacroPore fixation mesh and stabilizers to replace metallic components in internal midface distraction.
• In a case of Crouzon syndrome, resorbable distraction devices were contoured using a sterilizable model.
• A 4-year-old patient achieved 20 mm of midface distraction.

Findings:

• The use of resorbable fixation mesh eliminated the need for metallic plates, simplifying device removal.
• Substituting the distractor screw with a resorbable stabilizer allowed for early removal of hardware.
• Excellent correction of midface hypoplasia was achieved with minimal residual hardware.

Implications:

• This technique potentially reduces the morbidity associated with hardware removal in pediatric craniofacial distraction.
• Resorbable materials offer a promising alternative for internal fixation in craniofacial surgery.
• Further research can explore the long-term efficacy and broader applications of these resorbable devices.