[Development of a resorbable implant: experimental reconstruction of the orbits with polylactate membranes. Animal model and preliminary results].

In a complex animal model in five sheep, PDS or polylactic biodegradable membranes were used for reconstruction of large orbital defects in combination with autogenous bone grafts and stable internal fixation with titanium miniplates and screws. Because of anatomical similarities, animal model and human clinical findings are comparable. After eight weeks, in four sheep all reconstructions were separated from the maxillary and frontal sinus by a continuous mucosal layer. The bone grafts were integrated into the bony frame of the orbit. Foreign body reactions were milder with polylactic membranes compared to PDS, probably due to the slow degradation of polylactide. These preliminary results will lead to a further study with a larger series to compare the two biodegradable materials and to prepare the way for clinical use of polylactic membranes in orbital reconstruction.