Evaluation of Bioabsorbable Plates in Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma A Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes, Fracture Stability, Complications, and Advantages Over Titanium Fixation Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67440/ahj.vi.3049Keywords:
Bioabsorbable plates, pediatric maxillofacial trauma, resorbable fixation, titanium plates, facial fractures, osteosynthesis, craniofacial growth.Abstract
Background: Management of maxillofacial fractures in children presents unique challenges because of ongoing skeletal growth, developing tooth buds, mixed dentition, and the potential effects of permanent metallic implants on craniofacial development. Conventional titanium plates provide reliable fixation but may require secondary surgery for removal. Bioabsorbable fixation systems have emerged as an alternative that provides temporary mechanical support and gradually degrades within the body.
Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, stability, complications, and advantages of bioabsorbable plates in the management of pediatric maxillofacial trauma.
Materials and Methods: A literature-based review was undertaken using published clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating bioabsorbable fixation systems in patients aged 18 years or younger. Relevant outcome measures included fracture healing, infection, malocclusion, hardware exposure, implant removal, and postoperative complications.
Results: A systematic review of pediatric mandibular fractures involving 232 patients and 269 fractures reported an overall complication rate of 5.2%. Infection occurred in 1.7%, hardware exposure in 1.29%, and malocclusion in 0.43% of cases [1]. A clinical study involving 20 pediatric patients with maxillary fractures reported 100% successful primary fracture healing, with soft-tissue infection in 5% and paresthesia in 10% [2]. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis involving 1,584 pediatric patients reported complication rates of 0–11% for resorbable systems and 8–12% for titanium systems [3].
Conclusion: Bioabsorbable plates represent a promising alternative to titanium fixation in selected pediatric maxillofacial fractures, particularly in the upper and middle facial skeleton. Their principal advantage is the elimination of routine implant-removal surgery. However, their lower mechanical strength and higher cost must be considered when selecting an appropriate fixation system.
