Bioabsorbable plates and screws in pediatric craniofacial surgery: a review of 22 cases

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of bioabsorbable fixation devices in reconstructive craniofacial procedures in the pediatric population. We reviewed 22 cases in which bioabsorbable plates and screws were used in craniofacial surgery for reconstruction. The procedures were performed in a 7-month period. The patients ranged in age from 5 to 228 months at the time of surgery (mean, 76.7 months). The postoperative clinical follow-up ranged from 2 to 16 weeks. The fixation devices were evaluated with regards to satisfactory fixation at the time of procedure. The postoperative follow-up evaluated clinical wound healing, signs of infection or local inflammation, and visibility or palpability of plates through the skin. All patients except one showed satisfactory wound healing with no sign of infection or local inflammation. The plates provided satisfactory fixation and were not visible through the skin. Two patients had plates that were palpable at the 4-month follow-up period. One patient with repair of a blow-out fracture of the orbit with resorbable mesh had redness and swelling over the wound site 2 weeks postoperatively with resolution 4 weeks postoperatively. Our early experience suggests reabsorbable fixation is an attractive option in pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery. With further experience, this technology may represent the standard of care in reconstruction of the infant calvarium.