Use of self-reinforced polylactide osteosynthesis devices in craniofacial surgery: a long-term follow-up study.
Self-reinforced polylactic acid or polylactide (SR-PLA) is a biodegradable polymer, which is strong enough to fix weight-bearing cortical bone fractures and osteotomies. We report our experience and follow-up of the use of SR-PLA plates in 15 clinical cranioplasties. Two of the cases are described in greater detail. In one of them SR-PLA plates were used in addition to titanium plates, and in the other an SR-PLA plate fixed with mini-titanium screws was used as the only fixation material. In the other patients SR-PLA plates or wire were used in addition to titanium. So far no complications have been observed in these 15 patients. The only small superficial fistula was associated with a titanium plate and titanium screws. The longest follow-up has been over eight years. Recent results show metal-like deformation properties in addition to complete late resorption, making SR-PLA osteosynthesis devices promising for use in craniofacial surgery.
Serlo
W
W
Department of Paediatrics, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
Kaarela
O I
OI
Peltoniemi
H H
HH
Merikanto
J
J
Ashammakhi
N A
NA
Lassila
K
K
Pohjonen
T
T
Törmälä
P
P
Waris
T H
TH
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011091:Polyesters; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)