Lag-screw fixation of anterior mandibular fractures using biodegradable polylactide screws: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of biodegradable, self-reinforced poly-L-lactide screws (SR-PLLA) for lag-screw fixation of anterior mandibular fractures.


METHODS
SR-PLLA lag-screws were used to stabilize anterior mandibular fractures in 11 patients. Maxillomandibular fixation was used to treat concomitant mandibular condyle fractures for 2 weeks in four patients and for 1 and 5 weeks in two patients. Clinical and radiologic follow-up lasted for 6 months in 36% of patients and for 1 year in 64%.


RESULTS
Healing of all anterior fractures was uneventful, with no displacement or delay of bony union. No adverse reactions to the biodegradable screws were seen during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Biodegradable SR-PLLA screw fixation seems to be a new and promising way of treating anterior mandibular fractures.
Kallela
I
I
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery Helsinki University, Finland.
Iizuka
T
T
Salo
A
A
Lindqvist
C
C
D000042:Absorption; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic