SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1985
STP33262S

Biodegradable Fracture Fixation Plates for Use in Maxillofacial Surgery

Source

Partially biodegradable composites were prepared from a biodegradable polyester, reinforced with carbon or ceramic fibers, and evaluated for their potential use in fixing mandibular fractures resulting from maxillofacial injuries. The composites, made using a lamination technique, were found to possess the strength and rigidity of bone. Their incubation in phosphate-buffered saline at 37°C resulted in the gradual reduction of both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the samples. Reductions in strength and rigidity were paralleled by commensurate reductions in the viscosity of the matrix resin. Evaluation of the model system demonstrated the potential for improved management of fracture wounds using biodegradable materials.

Author Information

Casper, RA
Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL
Dunn, RL
Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL
Cowsar, DR
Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL
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Details
Developed by Committee: F04
Pages: 340–348
DOI: 10.1520/STP33262S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4926-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0427-3