title: Use of self-reinforced polylactide osteosynthesis devices in craniofacial surgery: a long-term follow-up study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Serlo
authors.forename: O I
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Kaarela
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Peltoniemi
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Merikanto
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Ashammakhi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lassila
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pohjonen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Törmälä
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Waris
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)