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Early failure of absorbable plating in a patient with syndromic brachycephaly
Matthew B Baker1, Michael F Kutka, Kevin J Kelly
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2100 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Insights
Bioabsorbable plates are standard for craniosynostosis surgery. This report details an unusual case of repeated early bioabsorbable plating system failure in a patient with syndromic brachycephaly and hydrocephalus.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Bioabsorbable plating systems are the standard of care for rigid fixation in cranial remodeling surgery for craniosynostosis.
- These systems offer advantages over traditional metallic implants and have demonstrated over 15 years of safe and effective use.
Observation:
- An unusual case involving repeated early failure of a bioabsorbable plating system is presented.
- The patient had syndromic brachycephaly and developed hydrocephalus, complicating the cranial remodeling surgery.
Findings:
- The study reports an unusual case of recurrent early failure of bioabsorbable plating systems.
- This case occurred in a patient with syndromic brachycephaly complicated by hydrocephalus.
Implications:
- Discusses reoperative rates for cranial remodeling surgery at the institution.
- Explores potential causes for the observed early failure of bioabsorbable plating systems.
Abstract:
The use of bioabsorbable plating systems for rigid fixation after cranial remodeling surgery has become the standard of care in the treatment of syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostoses at pediatric craniofacial centers in North America. The advantages of these absorbable plating systems over metallic plates and screws have been well documented. The absorbable plates have been used with remarkable safety and efficacy for more than 15 years. An unusual case of repeated early failure of an absorbable plating system in a patient with syndromic brachycephaly complicated by the development of hydrocephalus is reported. The reoperative rates for cranial remodeling surgery at our institution and the possible causes for this failure are discussed.
