title: Ultrasound-aided fixation of biodegradable implants in pediatric craniofacial surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Bioresorbable implant systems have been used for the rigid fixation of cranial and facial bones. A relatively recent advancement has been the fixation of these implants using an ultrasonic device. Published reports with such a device in pediatric craniofacial surgery have been limited. We report our experience with ultrasound-aided fixation of bioresorbable implants in the craniofacial surgery of children.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively examined the clinical information, complications and outcome following the use of a commercially available ultrasound-aided bioresorbable implant system (SonicWeld Rx™, KLS Martin, Jacksonville, Fla., USA) during craniofacial surgery by University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville surgeons. Follow-up was obtained via clinical examination or telephone interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over a period of 3 years, 37 pediatric patients (age range: 2 months to 16 years) had placement of these implants for immediate bony fixation during craniofacial procedures. Pathology consisted mainly of craniosynostosis (n = 19), and trauma (n = 16). Twenty-eight had combined craniofacial procedures; 9 patients had facial procedures. Reoperation was performed for: wound infection (n = 1), plate extrusion (n = 1). Delayed subcutaneous plate-related swelling was seen in 5 patients (4 were infants) and had a benign clinical course. Good cosmetic outcomes were seen in all patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a bioresorbable implant system with ultrasound-aided pin fixation in pediatric craniofacial surgery achieves rapid fixation with minimal morbidity and good cosmetic outcome. This system is easy to use and provides reliable stability in the setting of pediatric trauma and craniosynostosis.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA. philipp.aldana @ jax.ufl.edu
authors.forename: Philipp R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Aldana
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wieder
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Postlethwait
authors.forename: Hector E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Steinberg
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D001860:Bone Plates; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006053:Goldenhar Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008068:Lipomatosis / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional