title: Resorbable bone fixation: its potential role in cranio-maxillofacial trauma.
abstract: The concept of biodegradable bone fixation devices, which provide sufficient rigidity to allow fracture healing and resorption thereafter, has significant appeal in cranio-maxillofacial trauma treatment; however, biodegradable bone fixation devices have not yet become available for clinical use in the craniofacial skeleton. This article reviews the obstacles in developing a resorbable polymer bone fixation system and describes the initial use of such a system in the treatment of cranio-maxillofacial trauma patients. It also discusses the potential role of a resorbable polymer bone fixation system in conjunction with the use of metal fixation in the management of facial fracture.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University Medical Center, 702 Barnhill Drive, Rm. 3540, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5200, USA.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Eppley
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Prevel
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sadove
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sarver
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D013499:Surface Properties; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid