Resorbable plates for the fixation of mandibular fractures: case reports and review of the literature

Auricular Elevation Using Resorbable Plate

The two important factors of the ear reconstruction are the contour of the cartilage framework and the projection of the auricle. A lot of techniques of the ear reconstruction were developed but recently, two staged method is widely used that is composed of the 1st stage operation of grafting 3-D costal cartilage framework and the 2nd stage operation of the auricular elevation using superficial temporal fascia and skin graft. But, as time goes by after the auricular elevation, the obliteration of the auriculocephalic angle is often produced by the scar formation, the contracture of the skin graft, and the tissue fibrosis. To maintain the projection of the auricle, we used the cartilage block and the resorbable plate composed of polylactic acid copolymer. The polylactic acid copolymer keeps the strength more than 1 year and is absorbed as slowly as 4 years. If the scar contracture and the tissue fibrosis would be made within the time that the resorbable plate is keeping the strength, the deformities from the scar contracture could be minimal. We used the resorbable plates in the surgery of the auricular elevation in eight cases of microtia from December, 2002 to June, 2003. The average duration of follow-up is about 6 months. The contour and the projection were kept well and the aesthetic results were excellent.

Clinical study of resorbable plate and screw for treatment of maxillofacial fractures

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the usefulness of resorbable plate and screw for treatment of maxillofacial bone fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From july, 2000 to july, 2002, we used resorbable plates and screws(Biosorb. FX, Bionix Inc, Finland) on 126 patients for treatment of maxillofacial bone fractures. Among them, 80 patients were capable of periodic following up to present season. We evaluated these patients with clinical, radiographic findings and subjective satisfaction. RESULTS: 80 patients composed of 63 men and 17 women. Complication rates are 7.5%(6/80) recorded. 1 of bulging sensation, 3 of infection sign, 2 of the plate detachment were shown. The plates involved in such complications were removed. The other patients(92.5%) were not shown any problems. We could not find complete resorption of screw holes in the mandibular symphysis area even though two years later after surgery. CONCLUSION: Bioresorbable plates and screws are useful as fixation material at maxillofacial fractures although strength is thought to be weaker than titanium plate. But to reduce the possible complicaions, need to careful clinical and radiographical evaluations.

The effects of resorbable plate in the healing process of mandibular fracture of the rabbits