Development of Biodegradable Implants for Use in Maxillofacial Surgery.
Abstract
Maxillofacial injury requiring open or closed reduction is a frequent result of modern military conflicts. Traditional reduction methodologies involve the use of metallic plates, screws, and wires, along with their associated problems. Therefore, biodegradable fixation appliances, which should provide initial rigidity but then gradually weaken so that newly-forming bone is exercised, have been investigated. COmposite plates made from poly (DL-lactide) and reinforced with calcium metaphosphate (CMP) fibers are very strong, but they weaken rapidly when exposed to an aqueous environment because of a disruption of the interface between the reinforcing fibers and polymer matrix. Coating the plates with a hydrophobic, biodegradable film slows this weakening, but more protection is required. Smaller-diameter fibers and better fiber wetting by the matrix also result in more stable composites, but even nonbiodegradable polymers reinforced with CMP fibers rapidly lose strength in saline. Methods to protect the fiber/polymer interface from fluid attack, such as fiber coatings, alternative bioresorbable glasses, and improved composite fabrication techniques have been investigated. Keywords: Resorbable implants; Boneplate; Fracture fixation; Calcium metaphosphate. (AW)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA214393
Entities
People
- Amelia G. Potter
- Benjamin S. Kelley
- Richard L. Dunn
Organizations
- Southern Research