Related Experiment Videos
An experimental study on the effect of rigid fixation on the developing craniofacial skeleton
K Y Lin1, S P Bartlett, M J Yaremchuk
1Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Rigid fixation methods, including wire and plate fixation, can restrict craniofacial growth in young animals undergoing osteotomy. Plate fixation showed some compensatory growth, unlike wire fixation, indicating complex growth interactions.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial surgery
- Pediatric orthognathics
- Skeletal growth and development
Background:
- Rigid fixation is valuable in adult reconstructive surgery.
- Its use in pediatric congenital malformations is increasing, but growth effects are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of rigid fixation on craniofacial growth in young animals.
- To compare rigid fixation (plate and screw) with wire fixation, with and without osteotomy.
Main Methods:
- An experimental model using 25 young kittens.
- Comparison of rigid fixation versus wire fixation, with and without osteotomy.
Main Results:
- Both wire and plate/screw fixation with osteotomy restricted regional craniofacial growth.
- Plate fixation demonstrated compensatory growth not observed with wire fixation.
Conclusions:
- Rigid fixation techniques, especially with osteotomy, can impede developing craniofacial skeleton growth.
- A dynamic interplay between growth restriction and compensation exists with different fixation methods.