The use of bioresorbable material in craniofacial surgery

It is clear that in just the short period of time that these products have been available significant technical advances continue to occur to make these materials easier to employ and use. Technical advances will continue to occur to make them more adaptable and strong for all forms of use in the craniomaxillofacial skeleton. The clinician also can envision them being employed as stable carriers to allow other factors to be brought into a wound-healing environment, such as growth factors or bone morphogenetic proteins. In addition, because the concepts behind bioresorbable fixation can continue to be extrapolated, the elimination of plates and screws with replacement with appropriate glues can be imagined. As long as the concepts of biocompatibility and immunogenicity are adhered to, the future seems without limitations for bioresorbable fixation products, and the author would urge strongly that plastic and reconstructive surgeons remain in the forefront of this movement.