A retrospective evaluation of rigid fixation in orthognathic surgery using a biodegradable self-reinforced (70L:30DL)...

This study was designed to evaluate clinical and radiological evidence of osteotomy site healing in orthognathic surgery after rigid fixation using a biodegradable plating system.

A follow up of 30 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery using a biodegradable self-reinforced (70L:30DL) polylactide plating system was presented. The follow-up schedule for all patients consisted of regular appointments at 1-180 days after surgery. Clinical evaluation involved notation of any abnormal swelling, infection, discoloration, or discharge at the osteotomy sites. Stability was evaluated by manual palpation. For radiographic evaluation, panoramic radiographs were taken immediately after surgery, and again at 7-180 days. The radiographs were analyzed for any visual changes in osteotomy fragments, resorptive changes in osteotomy fragments, callus formation, and union of the osteotomy segments.

No clinical complications and no radiological changes in the osteotomy sites were observed. Regarding the clinical usefulness of the biodegradable fixation system, fixation at the time of operation was considered as excellent in all 30 cases.

The conclusions of this study were that self-reinforced (70L:30DL) polylactide was considered to be comparable to other forms of rigid internal fixation for orthognathic surgery.