Clinical use of resorbable polymer mini-plates in mandibular fractures: a one-year experience

The authors describe their experience in rigid fixation of maxillo-facial fractures with resorbable plates made from poly-L-lactic acid. Seven cases are presented, with a one-year follow-up or longer. Plate resorption was evaluated by means of echographic examination, repeated every three months. All fractures healed well, with no complications. Finally, advantages and limits of the material are considered, as well as its future prospects and margins of improvement.