The use of a resorbable plating system for treatment of craniosynostosis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a r esorbable plating system (Lactosorb; Walter Lorenz Surgical, Inc, Jacksonvi lle, FL) as a fixation method in the treatment of craniosynostosis. Patients and Methods: Ten children with 15 affected sutures underwent crani otomies ranging from release of I suture to total calvarial reconstruction. The 1.5 Lactosorb plating system was used as the method of fixation in all cases. Patients were evaluated clinically and with computed tomography sca ns before discharge postoperatively, and at the 3-, 6-, and 9-month interva ls. Results: In all 10 cases there was no evidence of neosynostosis, malposed o sseous segments, or restriction of growth or calvarial expansion. In additi on, none of the complications seen with more traditional techniques were ev ident in these patients. Conclusion: Resorbable plating systems provide a viable alternative to the more traditional fixation techniques that have been used to treat craniosyn ostosis and craniofacial dysostosis. (C) 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.