Evaluation of the Efficacy of Biodegradable Plates in Maxillofacial Fractures

Background: 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. Aim of the Study: 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. Patients and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that biodegradable plating system was a sensitive procedure and greatly depended upon surgeon's experience and improvement of the learning curve.