Application of Bioabsorbable Plates in Orthognathic Surgery

Backgrounds: Though they are considered as reliable devices, titanium plates and screws have limitations due to some potential problems. To overcome these problems, researches on bioabsorbable materials for internal fixation have been continuing. Recently, there are many clinical trials to apply biodegradable internal fixation devices in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of application of bioabsorbable plates and screws in orthognathic surgery. Methods: Fifty-four patients with dentofacial deformity (17 male patients and 37 female patients) were selected in this study. The patients were treated by internal fixation using bioabsorbable plates and 2.4-mm, 2.0-mm pretapped screws (Biosorb FX, Bionix Implants, Inc., Finland). The patients were evaluated for complications during the follow-up period. Results: Five patients (9.3%) experienced complications. All complications in these cases were infection. No other complications related with physical or mechanical properties of bioabsorbable plates were found such as malunion or nonunion, fractures of plates and loosening of screws. All complications were minor and adequately managed with drainage and supportive care with antibiotics coverage. Conclusions: From the results, the use of these fixation systems in orthognathic surgery will provide a promising alternative titanium fixation in appropriate cases.