Resorbable fixation devices in oral and maxillofacial surgery - literature review

Abstract

The concerning regarding to the treatment of facial fractures has been reported since the antiquity to now a days. The literature shows the development of the techniques and materials used for this intention. There was a gradual alteration of the empiricists treatments to the ones based on scientific evidences. The materials described in the beginning vary from bandages, extraoral leather straps, gutters manufactured through horns of animals to metal used for closed and open fractures treatment. Through the technological advances used in the production of the fixation systems it started to use materials that were well accepted for the organism, as metallic system of plates and screws.  More recently another system was introduced in the market, the resorbable materials of fixation. Since then, many researches come being developed with intention to formulate a protocol, to test the new materials and to stand out its main indications and possible disadvantages. This paper has the aim to make a brief historical report about the evolution of the materials used in oral maxillofacial surgeries, and to review important topics related to resorbable plates and screws.