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[Resorbable osteosynthesis material in craniosynostosis]
D Weingart1, R Bublitz, R Michilli
1Klinik für Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Katharinenhospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Kriegsbergstrasse 60, 70174 Stuttgart. weingart.mkg@katharinenhospital.de
Background:
The results of using resorbable plates and screws (82% polylactic acid and 18% polyglycolic acid) in craniofacial surgery for the correction of craniosynostosis after more than 4 years of experience are presented. Special attention is focussed on the degree of stability and the clinical tissue response to the material employed to answer the question of whether the material is an adequate alternative to titanium.
Methods:
Thirty patients who had been treated with this method for craniosynostoses were examined at regular intervals regarding the shape and stability of the forehead region, visibility and palpability of the plates, and tissue reactions.
Results:
The technical handling of the osteosynthesis material proved to be simple and reliable. In one case the bone was not strong enough for the screw pitch. After an observation period of a maximum of 4 years and 1 month, the fixations were stable with no signs of adverse reactions.
Discussion:
If the long-term results remain favorable, we consider the use of resorbable material a promising method for the stabilization of segments in craniofacial surgery in children.