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.