Perspectives of patients about bioabsorbable internal fixation for maxillofacial fractures

Abstract

Purpose:Resorbable/bioabsorbable internal fixation provides effective treatment for maxillofacial fractures and avoids the need for metal hardware removal. We evaluated the initial knowledge, attitudes, subjective demand, and treatment satisfaction of patients concerning bioabsorbable osteofixation for maxillofacial trauma.Materials and Methods:From May 2007 to October 2009, there were 71 patients (63 males and 8 females; mean age: 35 ± 15 years) included in this prospective study. The patients completed preoperative and postoperative (4–6 weeks and 1 year) questionnaires.Results:After receiving information, 70 patients (99%) preferred resorbable/bioabsorbable bone fixation, usually because they preferred to avoid a second operation to remove metal hardware (67 patients [94%]). The higher cost of resorbable/bioabsorbable bone fixation was believed and justified by 41 patients (58%) and not justified by 30 patients (42%). No adverse events were reported by 27 of 34 patients (79%) at 4–6 weeks and by 14 of 21 patients (67%) at 1 year after surgery. Most patients were very satisfied with the outcome of surgery.Conclusion:Patients who have maxillofacial trauma have a high frequency of preference and high satisfaction with resorbable/bioabsorbable than metal osteofixation. Literature review showed increased activity in research and publication worldwide about resorbable bone fixation, suggesting that there may be increased patient demand for resorbable bone fixation in the future.

Titanium or Biodegradable Osteosynthesis in Maxillofacial Surgery? In Vitro and In Vivo Performances

“…Whereas 17–80% of the patients undergo a second operation for elective titanium osteosynthesis removal due to their awareness of the presence of a foreign body (i.e., the titanium system) [ 216 , 217 , 218 ], asymptomatic biodegradable systems are generally eventually resorbed, thus forestalling such elective removals. When asked prior to surgery, the vast majority of patients (i.e., >95%), therefore, prefer biodegradable over titanium osteosyntheses in both maxillofacial traumatology and orthognathic surgery [ 219 , 220 ]. Despite the similar symptomatic removal rates in orthognathic surgery, the other benefits of biodegradable over titanium systems (e.g., no temperature sensitivity, no possible growth restrictions, and no hampering of imaging and radiotherapy) could also be valid reasons to choose biodegradable osteosynthesis systems.…”