The prognosis of fixation of mandibular fractures with biodegradable plates and screws

Choi, Jinho; Kim, Ju Rok; Ha, Tae Jin; Yu, Jang Bae; Kim, Il Kyu

Abstract

The efficacy of bioresorbable fixation has recently been described in the osseosynthesis of the oral and maxillofacial region. However, a liitle data exist regarding the use of biodegradable plates and screws for the internal fixation of human mandible fractures. The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the treatment of mandibular fractures by using a bioresorbable fixation system with conventional titanium system in human mandible fractures. eighteen patients constituted the bioresorbable fixation group and twenty-five patients constituted the titanium fixation group. Both groups underwent open reduction and internal fixation by use of a bioresorbable system or a titanium fixation system. Panoramic radiograph were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively after reduction, at 6 months and at 12 months postoperatively. In the bioresorbable fixation group, complication(infection) occurred in 1 patient(5.6%) and was resolved by incision and drainage, plate removal and antibiotics without untoward sequelae. 2 patients(8.0%) experienced complications in the titanium fixation group and were treated using conservative treatment. There was no statistical difference in complication rates between two groups. Our data supported the use of bioresorbale plate fixation in mandibular fractures as a means of avoiding the potential and well documented problems with rigid titanium fixation systems. In conclusion, the bioresorbable fixation system provide a reliable and sufficient alternative to conventional titanium plate system.