FIXATION OF ZYGOMATIC COMPLEX FRACTURES WITH A BIODEGRADABLE COPOLYMER OSTEOSYNTHESIS SYSTEM: A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Development of fixation devices has progressed greatly over the past twenty years. The advent of biodegradable bone plates and screws system has almost solved the problems of stress shielding, removal surgery and corrosion when plates are left-in-situ. In the present study, twelve adult patients of zygomatic complex fractures were treated to evaluate the efficacy of biodegradable self reinforced PLA copolymer (70L: 30DL) osteosynthesis system. The self reinforced PLA copolymer plates were easily bendable with plate bending pliers, at room temperature and maintained the desired position without requiring a heating device. Intraoperatively, there was no problem encountered during adaptation of the bone plates. None of the plates broke during bending. The number of screws with perfect fit and intact screw head were 81(96.4%) out of 84 screws (100%). Post-operatively, one patient reported of fluid collection at the osteosynthesis site, which eventually subsided after aspiration with a sterile needle and no further collection was observed. Not a single plate was removed. Thus, it can be concluded that biodegradable self reinforced PLA copolymer osteosynthesis system exhibit good handling properties ,adequate strength, negligible complication, and good results in the management of zygomatic complex fractures.