Management of paediatric maxillofacial fractures: conventional methods and resorbable materials

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

To compare the outcomes between the use of resorbable plates and screws and the conventional methods in children
with paediatric maxillofacial fractures.

Methods

Study design: a retrospective observational study was designed
reviewing the clinical records from June 2007 and June 2011. Data collected included aepidemiological data, type of treatment, outcome
and satisfaction questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 1122 children (0-17
years old) were studied. Children treated by conventional methods were 912, while children treated by resorbable materials were 210.
The frequency of complications during recovery was similar and no statistically significant difference was noted. The satisfaction
questionnaire revealed similar percentages of satisfaction, with a high degree of satisfaction.

Conclusion

Our experience suggests
that resorbable devices should be considered as a treatment option, which avoids the need of further surgery to remove metallic
fixation, limits hospital spending and increases children's quality of life.

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