[The use of self-reinforced P(L/D)LA bioabsorbable internal fixation system in oral maxillofacial fractures].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of self-reinforced P(L/D)LA internal fixation system for oral maxillofacial fractures.

Methods: The system was used in 43 patients. The reduction situation during and after operation, postoperative complications and degradation time were recorded.

Results: The postoperative complications were one case with postoperative infection and one case with late noninfectious inflammatory tissue response, but these were controlled by routine treatment. Bone healing was satisfactory in all cases, without delay of bone union or obvious displacement of fracture segments after surgery. The degradation time ranged from one and half years to three years, the system remained in orbital and zygomatic areas and cannot be degraded completely.

Conclusions: The SR-P(L/D)LA system provided effective and stable fixation for maxillofacial fractures. The system has some defaults: the screws are broken easily, different degradation time in different individuals and incomplete degradation in some patients exist.