Congenital

Cranio-Maxillo-Facial

Application-Specific Selection of Biomaterials for Pediatric Craniofacial Reconstruction: Developing a Rational Approach to Guide Clinical Use

Gosain AK, Chim H, Arneja JS (Case School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH; Children’s Hosp of Michigan, Detroit; Wayne State Univ, Detroit, MI) Plast Reconstr Surg 123:319-330, 2009^§

A. Gosain, MD

Evidence Ranking

• C

Expert Rating

• 2

Abstract

Background

Biomaterials provide an invaluable alternative to autogenous bone graft for pediatric craniofacial reconstruction. However, there is no uniform agreement on the choice of biomaterial for different reconstructive needs.

Methods

Patients who had reconstruction of the craniofacial skeleton with alloplastic materials from 1994 to 2006 by a single surgeon were reviewed. Biomaterials used consisted of three classes: cement pastes, biomaterials designed to be replaced by bone, and prefabricated polymers. The study included 25 patients with a mean age of 5.5 years and a mean follow-up of 3.3 years.