Resorbable polymer fixation for craniomaxillofacial surgery: development and engineering paradigms.

Advances in medical technology continue to present clinicians with new treatment options for their patients. Frequently, however, a "settling-in" period occurs after initial introduction, during which continued use and experience present new considerations. Absorbable internal fixation has been available in the orthopedic arena for more than a decade, but has been widely available in the craniomaxillofacial arena for only the past few years. Although the major considerations governing its use were obvious initially, since then a set of essential paradigms has presented itself. The authors summarize these principles, providing numerous clinical examples, with the goal of illustrating the current potential of this technology as well as establishing a baseline from which future developments can issue.