Polyglyconate plates and screws to stabilize zygomatic osteotomies in a rabbit model

Rigid internal fixation with miniplates and screws continues to be widely used in the correction of both congenital and acquired craniomaxillofacial deformities. This technique allows precise three-dimensional stabilization of bony segments. A number of recent reports have detailed some disadvantages, including potential growth restriction in developing children, bone resorption, infection, extrusion, and palpability. These problems have often necessitated secondary surgery for hardware removal. A biodegradable plate and screw system would eliminate these potential and real problems. Over the last 2 decades, there has been an escalating interest in developing satisfactory biodegradable materials for bony fixation. We have previously reported the initial phases of a long-term evaluation of various biomaterials currently available. The purpose of this study is to examine a biodegradable plate and screw system fabricated from a faster resorbing material--polyglyconate. This system would be applicable to pediatric reconstructive problems. Earlier studies have shown its tissue compatibility and feasibility for multiple surgical uses. Osteotomies were created at the midpoint of each zygomatic arch of 42 adult male white New Zealand rabbits. The animals were then divided into two equal groups. The first group served as a control and the bony segments were permitted to heal without stabilization, whereas in the experimental group, the bony segments were stabilized with biodegradable plates and screws made from polyglyconate. Animals were then sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, at which time radiographs were obtained. Zygomatic complexes were then removed en bloc, and routine hematoxylin and eosin slides were made for light microscopy. Without fixation, fracture segments became significantly displaced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)