The use of biodegradable fixation in sagittal split and vertical subsigmoid osteotomy of the mandible: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
An absorbable pin made from poly-p-dioxanone (Orthosorb, Johnson and Johnson, UK) was used to internally fix osteotomies of the mandibular ramus. We present our initial series of 10 patients.


METHODS
Open study.


METHODS
Regional unit, teaching hospital, UK.


METHODS
10 patients who required a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSS, n = 3) or a vertical subsigmoid osteotomy (BVSS, n = 6), or both (n = 1).


METHODS
Jaw functioning and ability to open mouth.


RESULTS
9/10 followed up for 1 year, 1/10 lost to follow up at one month, 1/10 lost to follow up at one year. 7/9 reported the same degree of mouth opening as preoperatively, 2/9 slightly less. 3/10 developed slight anterior open bite problems; 1/10 required no treatment, 1/10 improved with selective grinding, and 1/10 was lost to follow up. No patient complained of discharge from the site of the implant or of any change in sensation of the lip.


CONCLUSIONS
Small absorbable implants undoubtedly have a place in selected maxillofacial operations, but there are still some problems with their use, including complications during the learning curve.
McManners
J
J
Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, UK.
Moos
K F
KF
El-Attar
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D004146:Dioxanes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D011108:Polymers; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004146:Dioxanes; D011108:Polymers; C079733:poly-4-dioxan-2-one