Resorbable implants in craniofacial surgery in childhood. A contribution to the development of poly(lactide) implants

: After research on minipigs we use since 2 1/2 years our polylactid and polydixanon implants for stabilisation after osteoplastic trepanation and in craniofacial reconstructions. The presented set with headless screws and nuts and woven bands are described in detail. Biodegradable osteosynthesis was done in 15 patients aged 11 months to 17 years and two months (m: 6 years four months). The results are at least as well as with conventional steel implants (plates, screws and wires). We did not see infections in any instant, and no patient had a second operation for explantation of fixation devices. After this encouraging prospective trial we are going to simplify the construction as well as the implantation procedure and to enlarge the spectrum of indications by using plates.