Management of paediatric maxillofacial fractures: conventional methods and resorbable materials.

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