Pediatric craniofacial osteosynthesis and distraction using an ultrasonic-assisted pinned resorbable system: a prospective report with a minimum 30 months' follow-up.

Resorbable osteosynthesis is an important tool in pediatric craniofacial surgery. A prospective clinical study was carried out to evaluate the Sonic Welding resorbable osteosynthesis system. Twenty pediatric patients with craniosynostosis were operated on for craniofacial reconstruction. The techniques used were the same than usual (fronto-orbital remodeling or advancement). During the process of osteosynthesis, similar resorbable miniplates were used, but for fixation, only 2 steps were necessary (drilling and welding), tapping being unnecessary. Clinically, the hold of the pins in the bone seemed stronger, and less-than-usual osteosynthesis materials were necessary. Clearly, the pins were able to hold in a very thin bone in which no screws could hold. Subjectively, the satisfaction of the surgeon was greater owing to the avoidance of the tapping step. On follow-up, resorption took place with an initial swelling effect, like with another pure polylactic acid material. The good resistance of pins suggests that, in such a system, the resorbable plate becomes the weak point.