title: Resorbable plate fixation in pediatric craniofacial surgery.
abstract: Resorbable bone plates composed of a copolymer of polylactic and polyglycolic acids stabilized into position with metallic microscrews were used in the reconstruction of pediatric craniofacial deformities. In 100 patients between 4 and 15 months of age, a total of 912 resorbable plates were implanted over a 2 1/2-year period. Their application was simple and rapid and required no special instrumentation. Currently, 85 patients are more than 1 year postimplantation, which is the known time for complete resorption of this copolymeric compound. No complications have been seen with this use, including infection, overlying soft-tissue reactions, reconstructive instability, or underlying osteolysis around the screws, as determined by postoperative plain radiographs at 6 months and 1 year postoperative time periods. Four patients have had screws removed due to either palpability or secondary reconstructive surgery between 9 and 18 months postoperatively, all of whom exhibited complete polymer resorption and normal bone healing. These clinical results demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of this copolymeric material for pediatric craniofacial applications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis 46202-5200, USA.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Eppley
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sadove
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Havlik
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019344:Lactic Acid; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid