Conventional Titanium Plate Research Articles

Digital technology revolutionizing mandibular fracture treatment: a comparative analysis of patient-specific plates and conventional titanium plates.

The treatment of fractures prioritizes the restoration of functionality through the realignment of fractured segments. Conventional methods, such as titanium plates, have been employed for this purpose; however, certain limitations have been observed, leading to the development of patient-specific plates. Furthermore, recent advancements in digital technology in dentistry enable the creation of virtual models and simulations of surgical procedures. The aim was to assess the clinical effectiveness of patient-specific plates utilizing digital technology in treating mandibular fractures compared to conventional titanium plates. Twenty patients diagnosed with mandibular fractures were included and randomly assigned to either the study or control groups. The surgical procedure comprised reduction and internal fixation utilizing patient-specific plates generated through virtual surgery planning with digital models for the study group, while the control group underwent the same procedure with conventional titanium plates. Assessment criteria included the presence of malunion, infection, sensory disturbance, subjective occlusal disturbance and occlusal force in functional maximum intercuspation (MICP). Statistical analysis involved using the Chi-square test and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. All parameters showed no statistically significant differences between the study and control groups, except for the enhancement in occlusal force in functional MICP, where a statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.000). Using patient-specific plates using digital technology has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in treating mandibular fractures, offering advantages of time efficiency and benefits for less experienced surgeons. Patient-specific plates combined with digital technology can be clinically effective in mandibular fracture treatment.

Comparison between CFR-PEEK and titanium plate for proximal humeral fracture: A meta-analysis.

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of the carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) and titanium plate for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) from clinical comparative trials. A comprehensive search of English databases was carried out, such as PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer and Cochrane Library databases. The RevMan version 5.1 software was applied for statistical analysis, and the mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD) as the combined variables, and "95%" as the confidence interval (CIs). One randomized-controlled trial and five retrospective controlled studies including 282 PHFs were considered eligible and finally included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that there were significant differences in Constant score (CS) (MD=9.23; 95% CI: 5.02, 13.44; p<0.0001), anterior elevation (MD=18.83; 95% CI: 6.27, 31.38; p=0.003), lateral elevation (MD=18.42; 95% CI: 3.64, 33.19; p=0.01) and adduction (MD=3.53; 95% CI: 0.22, 6.84; p=0.04). No significant differences were observed regarding Constant score compared to the contralateral shoulder, Oxford Shoulder Score, internal rotation, external rotation, screw perforation and cutout, varus/valgus malalignment, humeral head collapse/necrosis, implant removal, and revision surgery between the two groups. Compared to titanium plate, CFR-PEEK plate showed better Constant score, anterior elevation, lateral elevation and adduction in treating PHFs. The complications are comparable to those achieved with conventional titanium plates.

Functional results and unfavorable events after treatment of proximal humerus fractures using a new locking plate system

BackgroundProximal humerus fractures are often treated with a fixed-angle titanium plate osteosynthesis. Recently, plates made of alternative materials such as carbon fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) have been introduced. This study presents the postoperative results of patients treated with a CFR-PEEK plate.MethodsPatients with proximal humerus fractures treated with a CFR-PEEK plate (PEEKPower™ Humeral Fracture Plate (HFP)) were included. In follow-up examination, age and gender adjusted Constant-Murley Score (ACS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QDASH) and pain score (Visual Analog Scale (VAS)) were analyzed. General condition at follow-up was measured by European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L). Range of motion was recorded. In addition, radiographs at follow-up, unfavorable events and revision rate were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 98 patients (66.0 ± 13.2 years, 74 females, 24 males) were reexamined. Mean follow-up was 27.6 ± 13.2 months. There were 15 2-part, 28 3-part and 55 4-part fractures. The functional scores showed good results: SSV 83.3 ± 15.6%, QDASH 13.1 ± 17.0 and ACS 80.4 ± 16.0. A 4-part-fracture, head split component, nonanatomic head shaft reposition and preoperative radiological signs of osteoarthritis were significant negative predictors for poorer clinical scores. Unfavourable events were observed in 27 patients (27.6%). Revision surgery was performed in 8 (8.2%) patients. Risk factors for an unfavourable event were female gender, age of 50 years and older, diabetes, affected dominant hand, 4-part fracture, head split and preoperative radiological signs of osteoarthritis.ConclusionThere are several advantages of the CFR-PEEK plate (PEEKPower™ Humeral Fracture Plate (HFP)) such as the polyaxial screw placement and higher stability of locking screws. In summary, the CFR-PEEK plate osteosynthesis is a good alternative with comparable clinical results and some biomechanical advantages. Proximal humerus fractures show good clinical results after treatment with a CFR-PEEK plate. The revision rate and the risk of unfavorable events are not increased compared to conventional titanium plate osteosynthesis.Level of evidenceIV

Novel Three-Holed Titanium Plate Fixation during Open Door Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Comparison with Conventional Titanium Plate.

For reconstructing the posterior cervical muscular-ligament complex, attachment points and various modified techniques were designed and applied in clinical practice. This study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of open door laminoplasty with modified centerpiece mini-plate fixation and extensor attachment point reconstruction in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Sixty-nine patients with CSM who underwent C3-C7 open door laminoplasty at our hospital from January 2016 to May 2018 were divided into two groups: 37 and 32 patients underwent laminoplasty with modified and conventional centerpiece titanium plate fixation (MPF and CPF groups), respectively. Changes in cervical spinal angle (CSA), cervical range of motion (ROM), posterior cervical muscle atrophy, neurological function (Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and axial symptom severity were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in operative duration (136.7± 23.9 vs 128.3± 21.5 min, t=1.525, p > 0.05), volume of intraoperative blood loss (275.9± 33.1 vs 268.2± 31.6ml, t=0.984, p > 0.05), lamina open angle (41.2° ± 4.5° vs 39.4° ± 4.1°, t=1.726, p > 0.05), and spinal cord drift distance (2.4± 0.3 vs 2.3± 0.4 mm, t=1.184, p > 0.05) between the two groups. After surgery, JOA score significantly increased (p < 0.05), and neurological recovery rates were similar (62.7% vs 63.4%, t=0.208, p > 0.05). The NDI score was significantly decreased in both the groups (p< 0.05); however, the MPF group recovered to a greater degree than the CPF group (8.3± 1.2 vs 9.8± 1.4) (t=4.793, p< 0.05). There was no significant change in cervical ROM postoperatively compared with preoperatively in either group (p > 0.05). CSA decreased from 21.7° ± 2.8° to 18.3° ± 2.1°, and posterior cervical muscle cross-sectional area decreased from 35.2± 4.9 cm2 to 31.0 ± 4.1 cm2 in the CPF group (p < 0.05), but no significant change was observed in the MPF group (20.6° ± 2.5° to 20.4° ± 2.6°and 35.9± 5.1 to 34.1± 4.6 cm2 , respectively) (p> 0.05). Postoperative axial symptom severity was significantly worse in the CPF group than in the MPF group (Z=-2.357, p < 0.05). As an improvement to the conventional titanium plate, the modified centerpiece titanium plate effectively provides an attachment point for the posterior muscle-ligament complex, reducing posterior cervical muscle atrophy and improving neck function, without inflicting additional surgical trauma.

Minimum 2-year results of the second-generation CFR-PEEK locking plate on the proximal humeral fracture.

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the 24-month range of motion results of patients treated with CFR-PEEK2 versus conventional titanium plate osteosyntheses (TAL-P). We hypothesized similar clinical outcomes but a better range of motion in the CFR-PEEK2 group than the TAL-P group in the 2-year follow-up. This retrospective study analysing prospectively collected data included all patients that presented with a PHF and were treated with CFR-PEEK2 between November 2016 and April 2018. Follow-up was performed after a minimum of 24months, evaluating the functional degree of movement functional scores, including the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) as well as an age- and sex-adapted Constant-Murley score (CMS). The 2-year results were compared to the results of a matched pair group comprising patients that were treated with TAL-P during the same period. Of the 35 patients included (mean age: 61.2 [18-78] years), 30 (86%) patients completed the 24-month follow-up in the CFR-PEEK2-group. After 24months, the mean CMS was 89.9 points (pt) (44.5-100 pt) and the mean SSV was 86.7% (35-100%). Compared to the matched-pair TAL-P cohort, the 24-month follow-up showed similar results (CMS: 88.6 pt. (40.5-100 pt.) [p = 0.9]; SSV: 76% (30-100%) [p = 0.05]). However, significantly better degrees of forward flexion and internal rotation as well as a better range of motion in abduction was recorded in patients treated with CFR-PEEK2 plates than TAL-P. At the 24-month follow-up, patients who received treatment with CFR-PEEK2 compared to those that received TAL-P showed enhanced range of motion whilst having similar clinical scores.

Outcomes of cervical degenerative disc disease treated by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with self-locking fusion cage.

BACKGROUNDCervical degenerative disc (CDD) disease is a common type of spondylosis. Although anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the preferred treatment for CDD disease, internal fixation with a titanium plate may cause various complications. The invention of the ACDF with a self-locking fusion cage (ROI-C) has effectively decreased the incidence of postoperative complications. AIMTo observe the outcomes of CDD disease treated by ACDF with a ROI-C.METHODSNinety patients with CDD disease treated at our hospital from March 2019 to March 2021 were included. They were divided into two groups (control group and observation group, n = 45 in each) using a random number table. Patients in the control group received ACDF plus internal fixation with a titanium plate. Those in the observation group received ACDF + ROI-C placement. The two groups of patients were compared in terms of surgical parameters, pain, cervical spine function, range of motion, and complications.RESULTSThe two groups of patients showed no significant differences in surgical time, blood loss, drainage volume, and length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). No significant differences in the visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), and neck disability index (NDI) scores were observed between the two groups before surgery (P > 0.05). The VAS and NDI scores in the observation group were considerably lower than those in the control group after surgery; however, the JOA scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in cervical disc height and the range of motion of the superior or inferior adjacent vertebrae between the two groups before surgery (P > 0.05). The disc height in the observation group was larger than that in the control group after surgery. The range of motion of both the superior and inferior adjacent vertebrae was significantly smaller in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications was only 2.22% in the observation group compared to 15.56% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONCervical spine function restoration was better with ROI-C with internal fixation in ACDF than with conventional titanium plates in ACDF for CDD disease.

Inanimate surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 during midfacial fracture repair in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients

PurposesTo evaluate inanimate surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 during midfacial fracture repair (MFR) and to identify relevant aggregating factors. MethodsUsing a prospective non-randomised comparative study design, we enrolled a cohort of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients undergoing MFR. The predictor variables were osteofixation system (conventional titanium plates [CTiP] vs. ultrasound-assisted resorbable plates [USaRP]). The main outcomes were the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on four different surfaces. Other study variables were categorised into demographic, anatomical, and operative. Descriptive, bi- and multivariate statistics were computed. ResultsThe sample consisted of 11 patients (27.3% females, 63.6% right side, 72.7% displaced fractures) with a mean age of 52.7 ± 20.1 years (range, 19–85). Viral spread was, on average, 1.9 ± 0.4 m. from the operative field, including most oral and orbital retractors’ tips (81.8% and 72.7%) and no virus was found at 3 m from the operative field, but no significant difference was found between 2 osteofixation types. On binary adjustments, significantly broader contamination was linked to centrolateral MFR (P = 0.034; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05 to 1.02), and displaced MFR > 45 min (P = 0.022; 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.03). ConclusionsUSaRP, albeit presumably heavily aerosol-producing, cause similar SARS-CoV-2 distribution to CTiP. Non-surgical operating room (OR) staff should stay ≥ 3 m from the operative field, if the patient is SARS-CoV-2-positive. Enoral and orbital instruments are a potential virus source, especially during displaced MFR > 45 min and/or centrolateral MFR, emphasising an importance of appropriate patient screening and OR organisation.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Biodegradable Plates in Maxillofacial Fractures.

Maxillofacial fractures require stable fixation for uneventful bony healing and optimal remodeling. Conventional titanium plates considered the gold standard of rigid internal fixation for many years, however due to the inherent drawbacks associated with metal devices biodegradable plates have been developed. To evaluate the efficacy of biodegradable plates as a treatment modality of rigid internal fixation for facial fractures and to assess the perioperative complications experienced with their utilization. This prospective clinical study included 10 Iraqi patients, met the eligibility criteria and subjected to open reduction and internal fixation with biodegradable plates system. The data were analyzed according to the age, gender, etiology of the fracture, fracture site, surgical approach, plate application time, fracture reduction, screw holes ossification, and patient's satisfaction. The patients were radiographically followed up with either computed tomography or CBCT at 3, 24, and 48 weeks with regular follow up intervals. The statistical analysis was performed using percentages, the mean ± standard deviation, Shapiro-Wilk test and Mann-Whitney U test. The age of patients ranged from 9 to 65 years with an average of 26.1 years and a standard deviation of ± 12.9. Regarding gender, males showed a higher percentage than female (80% versus 20%), respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean time of plate application in midface and mandible (53 versus 32.9 minutes), respectively. All cases end up with complete screw holes ossification. This study demonstrated that biodegradable plating system was a sensitive procedure and greatly depended upon surgeon's experience and improvement of the learning curve.

A New Posterior Extensor Attachment-Point Reconstruction Technique for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Involving C2 Segment: Clinical Outcome and Safety.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common degenerative disease that mainly occurs in elder patients, leading to different degrees of neurological dysfunction. Spinal cord involvement is mainly distributed at the C3-C7 segments, but it may also involve up to the C2 level. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of open-door laminoplasty using a new extensor attachment-point reconstruction technique for treating CSM involving the C2 segment. Fifty-nine patients with CSM involving the C2 segment and undergoing open-door laminoplasty were included in this retrospective study. Based on the titanium plate used in the operation, patients were divided into two groups, a reconstructed titanium plate fixation (RPF) group (n = 28) and a conventional titanium plate fixation (CPF) group (n = 31). Improvements in neurological function, cervical range of motion (ROM), cervical curvature index (CCI), preservation of posterior cervical muscle mass, and axial symptoms were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in operative time and intraoperative blood loss between the groups (p > 0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score significantly increased in both groups postsurgery (p < 0.05); the neurological recovery rate was similar between the two groups (64.1 ± 13.3% vs. 65.9 ± 14.7%, p > 0.05). There was no significant loss of cervical ROM in either group (p > 0.05). The anteroposterior dural sac diameter at the C2 level was significantly enlarged in both groups (p < 0.05). Alternatively, CCI was significantly reduced in the CRP group (p < 0.05) but unchanged in the RPF group (p > 0.05). The cross-sectional area of the posterior cervical muscles was also significantly reduced in the CPF group (p < 0.05) but maintained in the RPF group (p > 0.05). Finally, axial symptoms were more severe in the CPF group than in the RPF group (p < 0.05). Laminoplasty is an effective surgical procedure for CSM involving the C2 segment. The reconstructed titanium plate achieved superior maintenance of cervical curvature and reduced both muscle atrophy and severity of axial symptoms compared with titanium conventional plates.

Does the Inion OTPSTM absorbable plating system induce higher foreign-body reaction than titanium implants? An experimental randomized comparative study in rabbits

Hardware removal after complete fracture healing is a laborious and traumatic procedure that bears the risks of refracture, infection, and soft tissue damage. Absorbable materials for fracture fixation have the advantage of eliminating the need for removal; however, they may stimulate a considerable inflammatory response. For that reason, we compared in a prospective randomized experimental animal model study the incidence of foreign-body reactions between Inion OTPSTM absorbable plate implants, consisting of carbon trimethylene, L-polylactic acid, and D, L-polylactic acid, and conventional titanium plates. Seventy rabbits were equally divided into two groups. Titanium (Group A) or absorbable (Group B) plates and screws were implanted in the femoral shaft of the rabbits. Wound reaction and laboratory tests including white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were measured and compared at different time points. Radiographs and histological analysis of tissue samples from all animals were also used to identify potential foreign-body reactions. WBC showed normal values in both groups. In Group A, ESR levels were higher at all time points but CRP values were normalized at 3 weeks postoperatively. In Group B, ESR and CRP levels reached a peak at 3 weeks and were above normal values throughout the whole experiment (p < 0.001). Radiologic examination revealed periosteal thickening and surrounding sclerosis in 23 out of 35 animals of Group B (66%). All Group A animals had normal radiographic findings. Histopathology showed a typical non-specific foreign-body reaction in all animals in Group B (100%) but none in Group A. However, only four of them (11.8%) developed non-infected wound complications and showed significantly elevated CRP and ESR values (p = 0.054). Although Inion OTPSTM Biodegradable Plating System stimulates a foreign-body reaction, only a small but not negligible percentage of almost 12% may lead to wound problems. However, this difference compared to titanium plates was of borderline not statistically significant. Future studies should focus on the development of absorbable implants with improved biocompatibility aiming to further decrease the potential of foreign-body reaction and eliminate the need for additional reoperative procedures.

Applications of Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing Technology in Treatment of Hemifacial Microsomia.

Computer-aided surgery has been widely used in treatment of hemifacial microsomia and matured in recent decades. These techniques include the computer-aided design, virtual surgical planning, modeling surgery, rapid prototyping techniques, intraoperative navigation and so on. The purpose of this article is to summarize the current application of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology in the treatment for hemifacial microsomia during the last 5 years, as well as the views and discussions on some topics, and finally introduce a method of our team. Our effort is that using the holes predrilled in cutting guides, the pre-bent titanium plates are easily placed. Avoiding potential bone autorotation caused by unfitness between conventional titanium plates and bone surface, which keeps the bone fixation precisely in line with the preoperative virtual plan and reduce the movement of bone segments due to the undesirable stress of the plates.

Overview of innovative advances in bioresorbable plate systems for oral and maxillofacial surgery.

SummaryMaxillofacial osteosynthetic surgeries require stable fixation for uneventful boney healing and optimal remodeling. Although conventional titanium plates and screws for osteofixation are considered the gold standard for rigid fixation in maxillofacial surgeries, bioresorbable implants of plates and screw systems are commonly used for various maxillofacial osteosynthetic surgeries such as orthognathic surgery, maxillofacial fractures, and reconstructive surgery. Titanium plates are limited by their palpability, mutagenic effects, and interference with imaging, which may lead to the need for subsequent removal; the use of a biologically resorbable osteofixation system could potentially address these limitations. However, several problems remain including fundamental issues involving decreased mechanical strength and stability, slow biodegradation, complex procedures, and the available bioresorbable implant materials. Major advances in bioresorbable plate systems have been made with the use of bioactive/resorbable osteoconductive materials and an accelerator of bioresorption, such as polyglycolic acid. This report presents an overview of currently available resorbable implant materials and their applications, with a focus on recent innovative advances and new developments in this field.

Titanium Fiber Plates for Bone Tissue Repair.

Titanium plates are widely used in clinical settings because of their high bone affinity. However, owing to their high elastic modulus, these plates are not suitable for bone repair since their proximity to the bone surface for prolonged periods can cause stress shielding, leading to bone embrittlement. In contrast, titanium fiber plates prepared by molding titanium fibers into plates by simultaneously applying compression and shear stress at normal room temperature can have an elastic modulus similar to that of bone cortex, and stress shielding will not occur even when the plate lies flush against the bone's surface. Titanium fibers can form a porous structure suitable for cell adhesion and as a bone repair scaffold. A titanium fiber plate is combined with osteoblasts and shown that the titanium fiber plate is better able to facilitate bone tissue repair than the conventional titanium plate when implanted in rat bone defects. Capable of being used in close contact with bone for a long time, and even capable of promoting bone repair, titanium fiber plates have a wide range of applications, and are expected to make great contributions to clinical management of increasing bone diseases, including bone fracture repair and bone regenerative medicine.

Evaluation of the Transverse Displacement of the Proximal Segment After Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy With Different Lingual Split Patterns and Advancement Amounts Using the Finite Element Method

To evaluate transverse displacement of the proximal segment after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) advancement with different lingual split patterns and advancement amounts and to determine the influential factors related to mandibular width. A 3-dimensional finite element model of the mandible including the temporomandibular joint was created for a presurgical simulation and for BSSO with lingual split patterns I (T1; Hunsuck split) and II (T2; Obwegeser split). The mandible was advanced 3mm (A3) and 8mm (A8) and fixated with a conventional titanium plate. Ansys software was used to measure the linear distances of the interproximal segments and to analyze the transverse displacement distribution of proximal segments after applying the load of masticatory muscle force groups. After surgical simulation, T1A3, T1A8, T2A3, and T2A8 showed increased transverse widths (mean, 2.99, 4.70, 2.36, and 4.42mm, respectively). For transverse augmentation, there was a statistically significant difference between the 2 different mandibular advancement amounts in T1 and in T2 (P ≤ .000), but no significant differences was observed between T1 and T2 (P ≥ .058). The maximum transverse displacement distribution in the proximal segment was measured around the gonial area, and the early contact area was found near the border between the horizontal and sagittal osteotomy lines. Transverse displacements of proximal segments occur after BSSO advancement with T1 and T2 and transverse augmentation has statistically meaningful effects depending on the amount of advancement; however, no differences in transverse augmentation between T1 and T2 were identified. The fulcrum caused by the early contact between the proximal and distal segments could be an influential factor related to mandibular width.

Skeletal Stability After Mandibular Setback Surgery: Comparisons Among Unsintered Hydroxyapatite/Poly-L-Lactic Acid Plate, Poly-L-Lactic Acid Plate, and Titanium Plate

The purpose of this study is to compare the time-course changes in condylar long-axis and skeletal stability after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with an unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA)/poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) plate, PLLA plate, or titanium plate. Of 60 Japanese patients diagnosed with mandibular prognathism, 20 underwent SSRO with a u-HA/PLLA plate system, 20 underwent SSRO with a PLLA plate system, and 20 underwent SSRO with a conventional titanium plate system. The time-course changes in condylar long-axis and skeletal stability were assessed by use of axial, frontal, and lateral cephalograms. Compared with the u-HA/PLLA group, the titanium group showed a significantly greater change in the right condyle angle between initially and 1 month (P = .0105) and intercondylar axes angle between 1 and 3 months (P = .0013). The PLLA group showed a significantly greater change than the titanium group (P = .0043) and u-HA/PLLA group (P = .0002) in terms of ramus inclination between 1 and 3 months; however, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups in the other measurements for each time interval. This study suggests that there are no significant differences in postoperative time-course changes among a u-HA/PLLA plate system, PLLA plate system, and conventional titanium plate system.

Stability of Skeletal Class III Malocclusion After Combined Maxillary and Mandibular Procedures: Titanium Versus Resorbable Plates and Screws for Maxillary Fixation

The aim of this study was to evaluate skeletal stability after double jaw surgery for correction of skeletal Class III malocclusion to assess if there were any differences between resorbable plate and screws and titanium rigid fixation of the maxilla. Twenty-two Class III patients had bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for mandibular setback stabilized with rigid internal fixation. Low level Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary advancement was stabilized with conventional titanium plate and screws in 12 patients (group 1) and with resorbable plate and screws in 10 patients (group 2). Lateral cephalograms were taken before surgery, immediately postoperatively, 8 weeks after surgery, and 1 year postoperatively. Before surgery both groups were balanced with respect to linear and angular measurements of craniofacial morphology. One year after surgery, maxillary stability was excellent in both groups. In group 1 no significant correlations were found between maxillary advancement and relapse. In group 2, significant correlations were found between maxillary advancement and relapse at A point and posterior nasal spine. No significant differences in postoperative skeletal and dental stability between groups were observed. Surgical correction of Class III malocclusion after combined maxillary and mandibular procedures appears to be a fairly stable procedure for maxillary advancements up to 5 mm independently from the type of fixation used to stabilize the maxilla. Resorbable devices should be used with caution for bony movements of greater magnitude until their usefulness is evaluated in studies with large maxillary advancements.

Self-reinforced absorbable polylactide (SR-PLLA) plates in craniofacial surgery

Self-reinforced polylactide (SR-PLLA) plates were used in 14 craniofacial operations. Sheets of SR-PLLA were cut to the desired shape, and these were fixed with titanium screws or with resorbable sutures and were used in addition to conventional titanium plates. There were no complications due to the use of SR-PLLA implants. The material is totally biodegradable and is hydrolysed in the body back to lactic acid and further metabolized to carbon dioxide and water.