Absorbable polyglycolide pins in fixation of displaced fractures of the radial head.
In a prospective study 24 patients with a displaced fracture of the radial head were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using absorbable polyglycolide pins, 2 mm in diameter. All patients admitted with fractures involving a quarter or more of the radial head, whether comminuted or not, were included in the study whenever there was a displacement of 2 mm or more between the fragments. The mean follow-up time was 28 months (range 15-43 months). A postoperative redisplacement of 1-3 mm between the fragments was seen in four patients with severely comminuted fractures. A transient inflammatory reaction around the implants occurred in two cases 8-12 weeks postoperatively. The functional end-result was classified as excellent or good in 22 patients (91%). This study indicated that successful fixation of displaced fractures of the radial head can be accomplished by using absorbable pins.
Hirvensalo
E
E
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Böstman
O
O
Rokkanen
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*