Resorbable fixation techniques for genioplasty

Purpose: This study evaluated the capability and effectiveness of resorbable bone fixation devices in genioplasty surgery. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients underwent different genial movements that were stabilized with either 2.5-mm polylactic-polyglycolic acid lag screws or 2.0-mm polplactic-polyglycolic acid plates and screws. Results: Twenty-one anterior mandibular osteotomies were performed in 20 patients. Sixteen patients had advancement (80%), 2 had horizontal setback (10%), and 2 had vertical reduction (10%). The average advancement was 7.6 mm (range, 4 to 14 mm), the average horizontal setback was 6.0 mm (range, 4 to 8 mm), and the average vertical reduction was 7.0 mm (range, 5 to 9 mm). Fixation was done using the lag screw technique in 13 patients (65%) and plate and screw fixation in 7 patients. (35%) Intraoperative stability was satisfactory in all cases. There were no postoperative infections or segmental instability up to 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Resorbable polylactic-polyglycolic acid lag screw and plate and screw fixation is a viable alternative for fixation of anterior horizontal osteotomies of the mandible.