Resorbable fixation techniques for genioplasty.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the capability and effectiveness of resorbable bone fixation devices in genioplasty surgery.


METHODS
Twenty patients underwent different genial movements that were stabilized with either 2.5-mm polylactic-polyglycolic acid lag screws or 2.0-mm polylactic-polyglycolic acid plates and screws.


RESULTS
Twenty-one anterior mandibular osteotomies were performed in 20 patients. Sixteen patients had advancement (80%), 2 had horizontal setback (10%), and 2 had vertical reduction (10%). The average advancement was 7.6 mm (range, 4 to 14 mm), the average horizontal setback was 6.0 mm (range, 4 to 8 mm), and the average vertical reduction was 7.0 mm (range, 5 to 9 mm). Fixation was done using the lag screw technique in 13 patients (65%) and plate and screw fixation in 7 patients. (35%) Intraoperative stability was satisfactory in all cases. There were no postoperative infections or segmental instability up to 6 months after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Resorbable polylactic-polyglycolic acid lag screw and plate and screw fixation is a viable alternative for fixation of anterior horizontal osteotomies of the mandible.
Edwards
R C
RC
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1st Medical Group, Langley AFB, VA, USA.
Kiely
K D
KD
Eppley
B L
BL
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002680:Chin / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid