Biodegradable versus titanium osteosynthesis in maxillofacial traumatology: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Titanium osteosynthesis is currently the fixation system of choice in maxillofacial traumatology. Biodegradable osteosynthesis systems have the ability to degrade in the human body. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review, with meta- and trial sequential analyses, to assess the efficacy and morbidity of biodegradable versus titanium osteosynthesis after maxillofacial trauma. MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched for randomized controlled trials and prospective and retrospective controlled studies. Five time periods were studied: perioperative, short-term (0–4 weeks), intermediate (6–12 weeks), long-term (>12 weeks), and overall follow-up. After screening 3542 records, 24 were included. All had a high risk of performance and detection bias due to the nature of the interventions. Meta-analysis showed no differences in efficacy or morbidity between biodegradable and titanium osteosynthesis. The risk of perioperative screw breakage was significantly higher (risk ratio 17.13, 95% confidence interval 2.19–34.18) and the symptomatic plate removal rate lower in the biodegradable group (risk ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.02–0.57), which was confirmed by the trial sequential analysis. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Based on the narrative review and meta-analyses, current evidence shows that biodegradable osteosynthesis is a viable alternative to titanium osteosynthesis when applied in the treatment of maxillofacial trauma, with similar efficacy but significantly lower symptomatic plate removal rates. Perioperative screw breakage occurred significantly more often in the biodegradable group compared to the titanium group.     

Bilateral total deafness after preparation of wild boar meat

IntroductionStreptococcus suis is responsible for a zoonosis for which Suidae (pigs and wild boars) constitute the reservoir, mainly in Asia, with a much lower prevalence in Europe. The predominant clinical manifestation is meningitis, possibly resulting in deafness.Case reportWe report the case of a woman hospitalised for meningitis complicated by labyrinthitis, occurring several hours after preparing a meal composed of wild boar meat. Despite the presence of intracochlear fibrosis, the patient was managed by sequential bilateral cochlear implants.DiscussionThe discussion presents a review of the international literature and describes the mechanisms responsible for hearing loss related to this rare zoonosis.