is there a difference between biodegradable materials and how do they compare with titanium osteosynthesis?
OBJECTIVE: Biodegradable materials are particularly useful for the fixation of zygomatic fractures. Different systems are commercially available. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of zygomatic fracture fixation using 3 biodegradable systems and a titanium osteosynthesis system. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with displaced fractures of the zygomatic bone presenting at our department from October 2001 to May 2003 were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups for fracture fixation (study group A: LactoSorb: n = 18; study group B: BioSorb: n = 18; study group C: Delta: n = 18). Treatment outcome and complication rates were compared with a historic patient group with zygomatic fractures fixed with titanium osteosynthesis (control group D: n = 15). RESULTS: A total of 64 patients (study groups A + B + C: n = 49; control group D: n = 15) were followed for at least 24 months (range: 24 to 44 months). Forty-nine patients in the biodegradable study groups (group A: n = 15;