Resorbable poly-L-lactide plates and screws for the treatment of mandibular condylar process fractures: a clinical and radiologic follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a resorbable poly-l-lactide (PLLA) miniplate system could be used to treat mandibular condylar process fracture.


METHODS
Fourteen patients (12 males, 2 females, aged 23.1 +/- 5.7 years) who had mandibular condylar process fractures treated with PLLA implants were recalled for follow-up clinical and radiologic examinations at 3 years.


RESULTS
Mouth opening recovered to more than 35 mm and occlusion was stable in all patients. There was no facial asymmetry 3 months postoperatively. Two patients had mild chronic postoperative tenderness at the implantation site; however, there was no wound infection. All fractured mandibular condyles showed anatomic good reduction and long-term stability with the use of resorbable miniplates and screws. Bone healing was satisfactory in all patients, and there was no evidence of abnormal resorption of the condylar process. The screw holes remained evident after 3 years. Screw holes in 2 patients showed enlargement on radiographic examination.


CONCLUSIONS
The PLLA miniplate system provides reliable stability when used for the fixation of mandibular condylar process fractures.
Division of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Department of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgical Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan. takahiro@mail.cc.tohoku.ac.jp
Takahiro
T
Suzuki
Hiroshi
H
Kawamura
Takehiro
T
Kasahara
Hiroshi
H
Nagasaka
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001860:Bone Plates; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001863:Bone Screws; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000503:physiopathology
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)