Role of Bioabsorbable Plates and Screws in Genioplasty

Chung, Seung Moon; Kim, Soo Young; Chang, Suk Choo

Abstract

The use of bioabsorbable fixation system for the craniomaxillofacial surgeon has become available for prevention of intracranial migration, growth restriction by metal implants in pediatric patients as well as palpability in patients of all of ages. Recently, the field of bioabsorbable fixation system was expanded and the bioabsorbable screws were used successfully in endoscopic brow lift surgery. We reviewed 6 cases in which bioabsorbable plates and screws were used in aesthetic genioplasty: one male and 5 female patients between 17 and 38 years of age. The fixation of repositioned bone segment in genioplasty was obtained by using plates composed of a copolymer, polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid(LactoSorb, Walter Lorenz Surgical, Jacksonville, Fla.). The fixation devices were evaluated with regard to satisfactorily rigid fixation at the time of procedure. The postoperative follow-up procedure evaluated clinical wound healing, infection, palpability of plates through the skin and its visibility on imaging technique. Our experience with bioabsorbable fixation system in aesthetic surgery has been very favorable and reliable, although prospective studies with a longer follow-up of a larger number of patients are desirable to confirm these findings.