S4A-13 SESSION 4A: GENERALITIES IN CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS – PART I WOUND HEALING COMPLICATIONS AFTER SURGICAL REPAIR OF CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS: ARE ALL RESORBABLE PLATING SYSTEMS CREATED EQUAL?

Abstract

Introduction: Although multiple resorbable plating systems are available for the repair of craniosynostosis, there is a no consensus on which plating system is associated with the lowest complication rates. In a previous retrospective study conducted at our institution, patients with craniosynostosis who underwent surgical repair with the Biomet Lactosorb plating system were over twice as likely to have a wound complication within a year of surgery. Our institution subsequently shifted its practice from the primary use of Biomet Lactosorb for repair of craniosynostosis to Stryker Delta and KLS Martin SonicWeld. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of wound complications and return to the operating room between the Stryker Delta and KLS Martin Sonic Weld resorbable plating systems. Methods: A retrospective review of institutional data was performed. Patients less than 18 years old with craniosynostosis who underwent cranial vault reconstruction or frontal orbital advancement with the Stryker Delta or KLS Martin SonicWeld resorbable plating systems between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2018 were eligible for inclusion. The outcomes of interest were wound healing complications, defined as infection or dehiscence, and return to the operating room. Results: Overall, 242 patients underwent surgical repair of craniosynostosis at our institution between 2005 and 2018. The Stryker Delta or KLS Martin SonicWeld resorbable plating systems were used in a total of 76 patients. 41 patients had repair with Stryker Delta, while 35 patients underwent repair with KLS Martin SonicWeld. Patients who received the Stryker Delta plating system had higher rates of wound complications and return to the operating room. Conclusion: The Stryker Delta cohort had a higher wound healing complication rate (17.1%) compared to the wound complication rate of patients undergoing repair with KLS Martin SonicWeld (5.1%). Complication rates associated with resorbable plating systems should influence surgeon and institutional practice as well as industry development.