Significance of biodegradable implants in case of midfacial fractures

The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate new resorbable implants for bone fixation. The plates and screws are made of poly (D, L)lactide (PDLLA). Bioresorbable osteosynthesis and fixation (ResorbX) has been applied in 22 patients. Indications for operations were craniofacial trauma (malar, orbital-floor or frontal bone fractures) or orthognathic procedures (Le Fort-I-osteotomies) as well as the surgical correction in case of craniofacial syndromes. In the initial follow up, the first patients showed clinically and radiologically uneventful fixation and healing of the bone. There were no implant material related complications. Overall, the advantages of PDLLA-implants appear to be their ease of use, radiolucency and resorption, although further experience is needed to determine the longterm benefits of biodegradable implants.