In-vivo and clinical evaluations of poly(L-lactide) plates and screws for use in maxillofacial traumatology.
The possible application of biodegradable osteosynthesis material presents many advantages over conventional metallic devices.  This study was concerned with the in-vivo evaluation of poly(L-lactide) with different molecular weights, in particular in regard to their mechanical strength, changes of molecular weight and their tissue response.  It was found that poly(L-lactide) has acceptable mechanical strength for use in maxillofacial traumatology.  In another trial, mandibular fractures of 12 dogs were successfully stabilized with resorbable plates and screws made of this polymer.  Finally, the results of a pilot study of its clinical application in the treatment of zygomatic fractures have been presented.
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany.
K L
KL
Gerlach
D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004285:Dogs; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008422:Materials Testing; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000601:surgery