Biodegradable fixation of mandibular fractures in children: stability and early results.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficiency of biodegradable self-reinforced (SR-PLDLA) bone plates and screws in open reduction and internal fixation of mandible fractures in children.


METHODS
Thirteen patients (5 female, 8 male; mean age 12 years, range 5-16 years) were operated on various fractures of the mandible (2 symphyseal, 6 parasymphyseal, 4 body, 3 angle, 1 ramus, 2 condylar fractures). The mean follow-up time was 26.4 months (range 10.9-43.4 months). Intermaxillary fixation was applied in cases with concomitant condylar fractures up to 3 weeks.


RESULTS
Primary healing of the fractured mandible was observed in all patients. Postoperative complications were minor and transient. The outcome of the operations was not endangered. Adverse tissue reactions to the implants, malocclusion, and growth restrictions did not occur during the observation period.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric patients benefit from the advantages of resorbable materials, especially from faster mobilization and the avoidance of secondary removal operations. Based on these preliminary results, self-reinforced fixation devices are safe and efficient in the treatment of pediatric mandible fractures. However, further clinical investigations are necessary to evaluate the long-term reliability.
Yerit
Kaan C
KC
University Hospital of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Kaan.yerit@meduniwien.ac.at
Hainich
Sibylle
S
Enislidis
Georg
G
Turhani
Dritan
D
Klug
Clemens
C
Wittwer
Gert
G
Ockher
Michael
M
Undt
Gerhard
G
Kermer
Christian
C
Watzinger
Franz
F
Ewers
Rolf
R
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers
D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)