Craniofacial skeletal fixation using biodegradable plates and cyanoacrylate glue

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Craniofacial Reconstruction

Background:

• Craniofacial bone fixation traditionally uses metal plates and screws.
• Biodegradable materials offer potential advantages in bone healing and reduced complications.
• Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive presents an alternative fixation method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using Lactosorb biodegradable plates with butyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive for craniofacial bone fixation.
• To compare the stability and bone healing of this method against traditional metal plate fixation.
• To assess biomechanical and histological outcomes in a porcine model.

Main Methods:

• Osteotomies were created in the frontal and infraorbital bones of seven Yorkshire pigs.
• One side was fixed with biodegradable plates and butyl-2-cyanoacrylate; the other with metal plates and screws.
• Samples were analyzed radiographically, biomechanically (torque to failure), and histologically at 8 weeks.

Main Results:

• Both fixation methods demonstrated stable bone fragment positioning without displacement.
• No statistically significant difference was found in maximum torque to failure between biodegradable and metal fixation.
• Histological and radiographic analyses showed comparable bone healing and skeletal stability.

Conclusions:

• Rigid internal fixation using biodegradable plates and butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is as effective as metal plate fixation in this animal model.
• This biodegradable fixation method shows promise for craniofacial bone repair.
• Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.