title: Resorbable coupling fixation in craniosynostosis surgery: experimental and clinical applications.
abstract: The use of resorbable bone fixation devices composed of a copolymer of polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid were investigated in an animal model as well as in human application. We used resorbable plates and metallic microscrews in immature rabbits; plating of the coronal suture resulted in complete device resorption and increased interscrew distances (i.e., growth across the suture) after 8 postoperative months. In 20 infants with calvarial deformities, thin, straight resorbable plates were used for skeletal fixation after osteotomies and repositioning. A total of 231 fixation devices were implanted without complications after 12 postoperative months. These encouraging results have led to further clinical application in craniosynostosis deformities.
authors.affiliation: Craniofacial Program, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5200, USA.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Eppley
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sadove
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016268:Internal Fixators; D019344:Lactic Acid; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid