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Tissue response to poly-L-lactide acid-polyglycolic acid absorbable screws in autogenous bone grafts: a histologic morphological analysis.

Matsumoto MA, Filho HN, Padovan LE, Kawakami RY, De Assis Taveira LA

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Rua Rio Branco 19-79, Altos da Cidade, 17014-480 Bauru/São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the local bone condition of autogenous chin grafts in contact with resorbable polymers fixation devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients presenting severe maxillary and mandibular atrophy underwent alveolar ridge reconstruction with autogenous chin grafts fixed with conventional metallic screws, who received poly L-lactide acid-polyglycolic acid and titanium test screws for histological evaluation after 4 months of implantation. RESULTS: Viable bone tissue could be seen in the specimens related to titanium test screws, with no signs of bone resorption or inflammation. A thick layer of fibrous connective tissue was observed between the resorbable test screws and bone tissue, which presented a few areas of resorption. CONCLUSION: There are no contraindications of both materials for use as fixation devices in autogenous bone grafts. However, care must be taken when using absorbable screws in a period of 4 months, which can interfere with the sequence of the treatment with endosseous dental implants.

Published 11 January 2005 in Clin Oral Implants Res, 16(1): 112-8.
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