resorbable

Resorbable refers to materials that can be broken down and absorbed by the body through natural biological processes. In medical and dental contexts, resorbable materials provide temporary function—such as mechanical support, space maintenance, or controlled release of therapeutics—and are expected to degrade into biocompatible byproducts that are metabolized or excreted.

Resorption occurs primarily through hydrolysis of chemical bonds in polymers or by enzymatic degradation of natural polymers. Common resorbable polymers include polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), and their copolymer PLGA, as well as polycaprolactone (PCL) and polydioxanone (PDS). Natural materials such as collagen or gelatin are also used. Some resorbables are designed to degrade predictably over weeks to months, while others may take longer, depending on molecular weight, crystallinity, device geometry, and local conditions.

Applications span sutures, orthopedic and maxillofacial fixation devices (plates, screws, pins), bone graft substitutes, membranes for guided tissue regeneration, and drug-delivery systems. In dentistry, resorbable sutures and membranes are common, and resorbable implants or scaffolds are used in periodontal and osseous procedures. Biodegradable ceramics like calcium phosphates and bioerodable calcium sulfate are also employed in bone repair.

Advantages include elimination of a second surgery to remove hardware, reduced long-term foreign body presence, and potential for gradual load transfer. Limitations include variability in degradation rates, possible inflammatory reactions, reduced initial strength, and challenges in precise radiographic assessment during resorption. Regulatory bodies assess biocompatibility and degradation behavior to ensure safety.