title: Fixation of zygomatic fractures with a biodegradable copolymer osteosynthesis system: short- and long-term results.
abstract: Biodegradable osteosynthesis devices can be viewed as addition to, not yet replacement for conventional metal osteosynthesis materials. In a series of 65 patients with zygomatic fractures, a short-term complication/sequelae rate of 22.8% and a long-term complication rate of 9.4% were recorded. Lactosorb plates, panels and screws were the only devices used for osteosynthesis. All complications associated with the biodegradable material could be considered minor and were resolved by the use of minor surgical procedures or conservative measures. The results of this study indicate that treatment of zygomatic fractures with biodegradable osteosynthesis material has no major long-term adverse effects beyond the total material resorption time.
authors.affiliation: University Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, General Hospital Vienna Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. georg.enislidis@meduniwien.ac.at
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Enislidis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lagogiannis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wittwer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Glaser
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ewers
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid