Clinical experiences with resorbable ultrasonic-guided, angle-stable osteosynthesis in the panfacial region.
OBJECTIVE
In this study we report our experiences with the treatment of midfacial fractures and various other indications in regions with low load bearing (eg, dysmorphias) using the biodegradable Osteosynthesis System (SonicWeld Rx by KLS Martin, Tuttlingen, Germany), comprising biomechanical and histological aspects.


METHODS
Seventy-five patients were included in this study. We describe the application of this system for the treatment of fractures of the zygomamaxillary complex, frontal bone impression fractures, surgical treatment of mukocele in the frontal sinus, isolated fractures of the orbital floor, complex midfacial trauma and bone cap fixation, craniosynostoses, and fixation of a distracted bone fragment.


RESULTS
The pin insertion could be finished with a total failure rate of lower than 5%. In 3 patients, soft tissue swellings in regions with less subcutaneous fat were observed 6 to 8 months postoperatively. No fracture dislocations occurred. Scanning electron micrograph of the experimentally acquired connection between the resorbable plate and 2 pins clearly demonstrates a tight and reliable fusion to bone, both at the cortical as well as at the spongy compartment. Conventional histology leads to corresponding findings as scanning electron micrography, and shows a close fusion between all components.


CONCLUSIONS
This retrospective study shows the general feasibility, sufficient mechanical stability, and efficient intraoperative handling of this angle-stable, ultrasonic-guided resorbable Osteosynthesis System (ResorbX and SonicWeld Rx) for a wide variety of indications in craniomaxillofacial surgery.
Reichwein
Astrid
A
University Hospital of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. astrid.reichwein@meduniwein.ac.at
Schicho
Kurt
K
Moser
Doris
D
Seemann
Rudolf
R
Poeschl
Paul
P
Baumann
Arnulf
A
Ewers
Rolf
R
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014465:Ultrasonics; D055815:Young Adult; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000601:surgery
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)