Biodegradable Fixation in Bony Genioplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in genioplasty however I would prefer biodegradable fixations. Is that possible for a lateral genioplasty. My chin is asymmetric therefore my chin would need to be moved to the right. It does not need advancement.

A: The use of metal plates and screws in common in all forms of bony genioplasty. Lactosorb biodegradable fixation devices have a long history of use in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Its use is not the most common in orthognathic surgery including bony genioplastigs. But it can be used for a genioplasty of the bony movements are not excessive. Sliding the chin to one side without an advancement is a fairly stable movement that maintains good bone contact. So the use of biodegradable devices is possible in this situation. It will cost more than the use of small metal plates and screws but it can be done if one is so motivated. It will require the use of 2.0 mm devices which will need to be prepped for the screws. The screws will engage the bone well in the downfractured segment. The only question is how well they will engage the thinner bone in the superior bone segment.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana