Evaluation of the Efficacy of Biodegradable Plates in Maxillofacial Fractures

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial fractures require stable fixation for uneventful bony healing and optimal remodeling. Conventional titanium plates considered the gold standard of rigid internal fixation for many years, however due to the inherent drawbacks associated with metal devices biodegradable plates have been developed. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the efficacy of biodegradable plates as a treatment modality of rigid internal fixation for facial fractures and to assess the perioperative complications experienced with their utilization. Patients and Methods: This prospective clinical study included 10 Iraqi patients, met the eligibility criteria and subjected to open reduction and internal fixation with biodegradable plates system. The data were analyzed according to the age, gender, etiology of the fracture, fracture site, surgical approach, plate application time, fracture reduction, screw holes ossification, and patient's satisfaction. The patients were radiographically followed up with either computed tomography or CBCT at 3, 24, and 48 weeks with regular follow up intervals. The statistical analysis was performed using percentages, the mean AE standard deviation, Shapiro-Wilk test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The age of patients ranged from 9 to 65 years with an average of 26.1 years and a standard deviation of AE 12.9. Regarding gender, males showed a higher percentage than female (80% versus 20%), respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean time of plate application in midface and mandible (53 versus 32.9 minutes), respectively. All cases end up with complete screw holes ossification. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that biodegradable plating system was a sensitive procedure and greatly depended upon surgeon's experience and improvement of the learning curve.

Virtual Surgical Planning and 3-Dimensional Printing for the Treatment of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex and/or Orbital Fracture

“…One of the causes is the newly introduced abuse of motorcycles in the country, underaged drivers, and weak traffic safety laws for different vehicles like seat belts, helmets, and speed limits. This is identically in concordant with Hassan & Razzaq 11. and Bali et al,12 who found that most fractures happened due to road traffic accidents (60%).…”

“…This is identically in concordant with Hassan & Razzaq. 11 and Bali et al, 12 who found that most fractures happened due to road traffic accidents (60%).…”

Reasons for Removal of Rigid Internal Fixation Devices in Craniofacial Surgery: A 20-year Update

“…[21][22][23] Biodegradable plates and screws have been available since the 1990s though titanium remains far more common for most applications outside pediatric craniofacial surgery. 24 Regarding hardware design, a wide variety of plating systems have been developed for diverse applications throughout the face and skull. Miniplates and microplates offer low-profile options for rigid internal fixation.…”

“…Then, in 1983, Branemark reported the benefits of titanium hardware (ie, biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion, high strength-to-weight ratio), and titanium was quickly accepted as the standard for craniofacial hardware 21–23 . Biodegradable plates and screws have been available since the 1990s though titanium remains far more common for most applications outside pediatric craniofacial surgery 24 . Regarding hardware design, a wide variety of plating systems have been developed for diverse applications throughout the face and skull.…”