Issue title: 2nd International Conference on New Biomedical Materials, 5–8 April 2003, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Suuronen, Riitta; ; ; | Kontio, Risto | Ashammakhi, Nureddin; | Lindqvist, Christian; | Laine, Pekka
Affiliations: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO Box 263, FIN‐00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland | Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University, PO Box 41, FIN‐00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland | REGEA, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University and University Hospital of Tampere, Biokatu 12, FIN‐33520 Tampere, Finland | Institute of Biomaterials, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland, PO Box 589, Hermiankatu 12 B, FIN‐33101 Tampere, Finland | Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, PO Box 22, FIN‐90220 Oulu, Finland
Note: [] Corresponding author: Riitta Suuronen, MD, DDS, PhD, REGEA, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Biokatu 12, FIN‐33520 Tampere, Finland. Tel.: +358 3 2158497; Fax: +358 3 2158498; E‐mail: riitta.suuronen@iki.fi.
Abstract: Bioabsorbable fixation devices have been used in craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery since the early 70's. In our departments the experimental use started in the 80's with self‐reinforced (SR) polylactide devices. The first clinical operations were carried out in 1991. Since that time, we have used different types of self‐reinforced bioabsorbable devices in the fixation of several hundreds of osteotomies and fractures. Patients' acceptance has been generally excellent and very few complications occurred during this follow‐up of over 10 years. The complications have been minor and have not affected the end results of the operations. In only one oncologic patient, the devices needed to be removed and replaced with a rigid reconstruction plate. The minor complications consisted mainly of a few infections, dehiscence of the wound and plate exposure together with granulation tissue in the operation field. No implant‐specific complications were recorded. However, there is a learning curve for the surgeon, as there is with all new methods introduced. Based on our experience, self‐reinforced bioabsorbable devices are safe to be used in several indications in the craniomaxillofacial skeleton, also in load‐shearing situations.
Keywords: Craniomaxillofacial surgery, resorbable, absorbable, bone plates and screws
Journal: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 517-524, 2004
