Early experience with poly L-lactic acid bioabsorbable fixation system forpaediatric craniosynostosis surgery. Report of 3 cases

Objective. The authors describe early experience in the use of bioabsorbabl e fixation devices for cranial reconstruction of paediatric craniosynostosi s patients. Methods. Three patients, individually respectively presenting sagittal syno stosis, metopic synostosis, and clover leaf skull deformity, underwent cran ial reconstruction using poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) plates and screws. The p atients ranged in age from 2 to 10 months at the time of surgery. The posto perative clinical follow-up ranged from 16 to 18 months. All patients showe d satisfactory wound healing without signs of infection or local inflammati on. The plates provided satisfactory fixation and were nor, palpable throug h the skin after 16 to 18 postoperative months. Conclusion. Our experience demonstrated the efficacy of PLLA bioabsorbable plates and screws for cranial reconstruction in cases of infant craniosynos tosis. Prospective studies and longer follow-up of a larger number of patie nts is desirable for confirmation of these findings.