title: A new technique for correction of trigonocephaly using bioabsorbable osteofixation tacks and plates and a novel tack-shooter.
abstract: We report on the feasibility of applying bioabsorbable tacks using a new tack-shooter to fix bioabsorbable plates applied endocranially for the correction of three cases of trigonocephaly. Tacks do not require tapping or tightening because they are applied using a tack-shooter directly into drill holes in the bone. Hence, the technique saves valuable operative time. A 1.5- to 2.0-cm broad supraorbital bar (bandeau) was raised and reshaped. The corrected shape was maintained using a Biosorb plate (Bionx Implants Ltd, Tampere, Finland), and tacks were applied on the endocranial side of the bar. The plate extended a few centimeters laterally beyond the edge of the supraorbital bar, and it was fixed with Biosorb miniscrews and/or tacks affixed to the temporal bones. Other molded bone pieces were fixed using Biosorb plates, screws, and/or tacks. The technique of using tacks was easy, and it provided secure osteofixation. Cosmetic results were excellent, and no complications were encountered except for palpability of plate edges on the right side of the skull in one case.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: Willy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Serlo
authors.forename: Nureddin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ashammakhi
authors.forename: Satu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Länsman
authors.forename: Pertti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Törmälä
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Waris
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004954:Esthetics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016268:Internal Fixators; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid