RESUMO
A retrospective study to review the clinical outcome and stability of biodegradable materials for the fixing zygomatico-orbital fractures using two different methods. One hundred and seven consecutive patients with zygomatico-orbital fractures during the period of January 2001 to December 2007 were treated using PDLLA Martin biodegradable hardware. They were included into two groups. Study group 1 [n=45] in which predrilling and tap was done before screw insertion. Study group 2[n=62] where sonicweld pin were used. It was done in accordance with the development of new hardware.Treatment outcome and complications recorded for both groups. In group 1, forty-two [93.4%] patients had uneventful healing while three [6.6%] patients developed mild soft tissue reaction. Seventy-two plates and 300 tapped screws used. Fifty-five [18.4%] screws were broken and 4[5.6%] plates replaced for margin shear. In group 2, 62 patients had seventy fractures were treated using 570 sonic weld pins and 135 plates. There were 2[1.5%] plates replaced due to excessive bending and 10[1.7%] screws improperly welded. Biodegradable osteosynthesis materials can be safely used for treatment of zygomatico-orbital factures with minimal postoperative complications and can replace titanium hardware