Use of self-reinforced polylactide osteosynthesis devices in craniofacial surgery: A long-term follow-up study

Self-reinforced polylactic acid or polylactide (SR-PLA) is a biodegradable polymer, which is strong enough to fix weight-bearing cortical bone fractur es and osteotomies. We report our experience and follow-up of the use of SR -PLA plates in 15 clinical cranioplasties. Two of the cases are described i n greater detail. In one of them SR-PLA plates were used in addition to tit anium plates, and in the other an SR-PLA plate fixed with mini-titanium scr ews was used as the only fixation material. In the other patients SR-PLA pl ates or wire were used in addition to titanium. So far no complications hav e been observed in these 15 patients. The only small superficial fistula wa s associated with a titanium plate and titanium screws. The longest follow- up has been over eight years. Recent results show metal-like deformation pr operties in addition to complete late resorption, making SR-PLA osteosynthe sis devices promising for use in craniofacial. surgery.