BIODEGRADABLE POLYLACTIDE PLATES AND SCREWS IN ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY -TECHNICAL NOTE

In orthognathic surgery, the bone fragments are usually fixed with met allic plates and screws. Metallic devices other than titanium plates a re usually removed after the osteotomy has consolidated, which often r equires general anaesthesis. Titanium plates, supposed to be biotolera ble, have been introduced in order to overcome this need for secondary intervention. However, due to corrosion, titanium particles have been found in scar tissue covering these plates and in locoregional lymph nodes. Therefore, their removal is also advocated. Self-reinforced pol y (L-lactide) homopolymer (PLLA) and poly (L/D-lactide) stereocopolyme rs with a L/D molar ratio up to 85/15 have sufficient strength to over come the need for additional support for the fixation of fractures. Th e plates can be bent at room temperature. The surgical technique and e arly results of a case of bimaxillary surgery and genioplasty fixed wi th bioresorbable material without postoperative rigid maxillomandibula r fixation are reported.