Resorbable skeletal fixation systems for treating maxillofacial bone fractures.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Maxillofacial bone fractures require effective fixation.
• Traditional metal plate and screw systems (MPSSs) are widely used.
• Resorbable plate and screw systems (RPSSs) offer a potential alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of RPSSs versus MPSSs in treating maxillofacial bone fractures.
• To evaluate complication rates associated with each fixation system.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 82 patients with zygomaticomaxillary fractures.
• Comparison of outcomes between 56 patients treated with RPSSs and 26 patients treated with MPSSs.
• Analysis of complication rates, including device exposure, infection, and screw loosening.

Main Results:

• The overall complication rate was 7% for RPSSs (4/56) and 4% for MPSSs (1/26).
• RPSS complications included device exposure (2 patients) and infection (1 patient).
• MPSS complication involved one loosened screw; other patients had no issues.

Conclusions:

• RPSSs offer advantages for maxillofacial fracture treatment.
• Careful selection of fixation systems is crucial based on fracture site and infection status.
• Patient-specific factors should guide the choice between RPSSs and MPSSs.