P. Törmälä1, A. Kaikkonen2, H. Happonen2, M. Kellomäki1, H. Niiranen1, E. Pirhonen1, T. Pohjonen2 1) Institute of Biomaterials,Tampere University of Technology, P.O: Box 589, FIN-33101 Tampere, Finland 2) Bionx Implants Ltd, P.O. Box 3, FIN-33721 Tampere, Finland

Abstract
Ultra-high strength, ductile, bioabsorbable self-reinforced polymer-based composites can be used in manufacturing of cranio maxillofacial fixation implants, like screws, tacks and plates and mesh-plates and membranes for guided tissue regeneration. Self-reinforcing is done with solid state deformation of bioabsorbable polymers,like poly-lactides and their copolymers, into an oriented or partially fibrallated form. Self-reinforced preforms can then be machined mechanically to implants, like screws, tacks and plates. A special advantage for craniomaxillofacial surgery is that self-reinforced and oriented plates can be bended permanently at room temperature without the inconvenient and slow heating-cooling procedure needed in clinical use of non-oriented and non-reinforced bioabsorbable plates. Self-reinforced and oriented implants and materials can be combined with bioactive biomaterials, like bioactive glass, to enhance their efficacy in guided bone tissue regeneration.