[Our experience about the use of resorbable plates in the treatment of craniostenosis].

INTRODUCTION

The use of resorbable plates increases for craniosynostosis surgery. This material, based on polymere (PLA, PGA) can replace steel wire and non resorbable plates. A few studies present surgical results about the use of this material with a long follow-up. We present our ten years experience of using resorbable material for craniosynostosis treatment in children.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2012, we operated 283 craniosynostosis (98 scaphocephalies, 55 trigonocephalies, 79 plagiocephalies et 51 craniofaciostenoses). Among these surgeries, 211 were realized with resorbable material (plates and screws). Different criteria were observed: the esthetic result, the infection rate, the re-intervention, the bone defects and the inflammatory granuloma.

RESULTS

Among the 211 craniosynostosis, we found 62 plagiocephalies, 66 scaphocephalies, 50 trigonocephalies, 33 craniofaciostenoses. All the reconstructions were realized with the same resorbable material (Macropore by Medtronic). The rate of complications was low: one scar infection without participation of material for two patients (0.9%), a pseudo-meningocele for two patients (0.9%), epilepsy for four children (1.8%) and bone defect for 15 (7%). We observed no granuloma for these patients.

CONCLUSION

Our experience of ten years using resorbable material is very satisfactory. This material permits to realize solid and esthetic reconstructions with a low rate of infection without dangerous reaction for children in young age.