Reduction of rib fractures with a bioresorbable plating system: preliminary observations.

BACKGROUND: Operative fixation of rib fractures can reduce morbidity and mortality. Currently, resorbable fixation devices are used in a variety of surgical procedures. METHODS: A standard osteotomy was prepared in 30 New Zealand white rabbits at the 12th rib. Eighteen had surgical repair with bioresorbable plates and 12 underwent nonoperative management. Half the animals in each group were killed at 3-week postfracture and the remaining animals were killed at 6-week postfracture. Ribs were radiographed and processed histologically to assess fracture healing. Rib reduction was defined as the alignment of the rib ends in a structural condition similar to the prefractured state and quantitative radiomorphometry measured the radiopaque callus surrounding the rib injury sites. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and an unpaired Student's t test and significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: At both the 3- and 6-week intervals, seven of the nine rib fractures remained reduced in the operative group, whereas zero of six and three of six of the rib fractures remained reduced, respectively, in the nonoperative group. A statistically significant increase in radiopaque callus surrounding the rib injury sites was observed at 3 and 6 weeks in the fixed groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of rib fractures with a bioresorbable miniplate system was superior to nonoperative treatment at the 3-week interval, with a statistically significant increase in radiopaque callus formation at both 3 and 6 weeks. Additional studies will evaluate the biomechanical outcomes and degradation tissue response after extended in vivo intervals.

Immediate Gore-Tex sling suspension for management of facial paralysis in head and neck extirpative surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of immediate facial reconstruction with a Gore-Tex (expanded polytetrofluoroethylene) sling in irradiated patients undergoing large head and neck tumor extirpation with facial nerve resection. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a retrospective study of 17 patients at two academic institutions who underwent extirpative surgery with immediate Gore-Tex sling reconstruction and completed radiotherapy. Functional and aesthetic results were evaluated at three intervals. RESULTS: All patients had excellent immediate results and good or excellent intermediate-term results. At long-term follow-up, results were good to excellent in 47% and unacceptable in 35% of patients. CONCLUSION: In irradiated patients undergoing total parotidectomy with immediate facial reconstruction using Gore-Tex slings, early results are excellent, but there is a high incidence of major wound complications and unacceptable results in long-term follow-up. SIGNIFICANCE: There is a high rate of late complications associated with immediate facial reconstruction with Gore-Tex slings in irradiated patients.