title: Single-stage craniofacial distraction using resorbable devices.
abstract: We report on the use of a new type of internal bone distraction devices designed for craniofacial applications. These resorbable devices allow a single operative procedure for device placement, eliminating the need for a second open operative procedure for hardware removal. We report on three models of resorbable devices. The midface orbital frontal device was used for midface and monoblock advancement. The mandibular adolescent device was used in older children and adolescents. In neonates and young children, the mandibular infant device was used. Twenty-one patients (9 female, 12 male) aged 6 days to 15 years (mean = 53 months) underwent bony expansion of the craniofacial skeleton over a 2-year period. A total of 39 devices were implanted: 32 in the mandible, 3 in the maxilla alone, and 4 in the maxilla and frontal bones. Expansion distances ranged from 15 to 30 mm. Expansion took place at 1 to 2 mm/d. Latency periods ranged from 48 to 72 hours. There were no device structural failures and no major complications.
authors.affiliation: The Center for Craniofacial Disorders, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA. FBursteing@aol.com
authors.forename: Fernando D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Burstein
authors.forename: Joseph K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hudgins
authors.forename: Leroy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Teague
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paschal
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Simms
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016268:Internal Fixators; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid