title: Absorbable pins of self-reinforced poly-L-lactic acid for fixation of fractures and osteotomies.
abstract: We reviewed 27 patients with small-fragment fractures or osteotomies treated by internal fixation with absorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide pins. The follow-up time ranged from eight to 37 months. The two most common indications were chevron osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone for hallux valgus and displaced fracture of the radial head. No redisplacements occurred, and there were no signs of inflammatory foreign-body reaction. Biopsy in two patients 20 and 37 months after implantation showed that no polymeric material remained.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pihlajamäki
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Böstman
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hirvensalo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Törmälä
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rokkanen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy; D011091:Polyesters / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)