Use of a resorbable fixation system in orthognathic surgery.

We present our early experience with the use of a resorbable plating system in orthognathic surgery. Thirty-one patients who have finished growing and who had dentofacial deformities that were not part of syndromes were treated by routine orthognathic repositioning procedures: maxillary (n = 8) and mandibular (n = 9) osteotomies, or bimaxillary procedures (n = 14). All skeletal fragments were fixed with resorbable plates and screws. The follow-up period ranged from 2-8 months (mean 5). All the patients recovered normally except for one who developed a localized buccal space infection. In the early postoperative period, six patients had mild mobility of the maxilla, but stability was within normal limits at six weeks postoperatively. We conclude that, though technique has an important influence on success, LactoSorb is a good fixative for maxillo-mandibular repositioning. Copyright 2000 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.