MANDIBULAR OSTEOTOMY FIXED WITH BIODEGRADABLE PLATES AND SCREWS - AN ANIMAL STUDY

objective of the study mas to evaluate the use of a totally biodegrada ble fixation device in the fixation of mandibular osteotomy in sheep, Mandibular unilateral body osteotomies were fixed with biodegradable s elf-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) multi-layer plates and screws in nine sheep, The unoperated sides acted as control, The follow-up ti mes mere 6, 12 and 24 weeks, after which radiological, mechanical and histological studies were carried out, An analysis of the implanted ma terial was also carried out, The results showed that the SR-PLLA plate s and screws were strong enough to fix the osteotomy and that the oste otomies healed mainly with callus formation, Therefore we conclude tha t SR-PLLA multi-layer plates and screws can be used together successfu lly in the fixation of mandibular osteotomies without maxillomandibula r fixation. However, before they can be used in humans, the size of th e plate and screws should be decreased.