title: Tissue reaction on PLLA versus stainless steel interlocking nails for fracture fixation: an animal study.
abstract: In order to develop a biodegradable interlocking nail for fracture fixation, polylactic acid (PLLA) rods were implanted in the femoral bone of young pigs. A midshaft osteotomy was performed in order to mimic a fracture. The tissue response to PLLA rods versus stainless steel rods was studied after 1 and 3 months of implantation. Fracture-healing characteristics and chemical and mechanical properties of the PLLA rods were studied after explantation. Mechanical properties deteriorated during implantation and chemical properties changed significantly in 1 and 3 months of implantation. PLLA and stainless steel induced a similar tissue reaction during the studied implantation time of 3 months.
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van der Elst
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Dijkema
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Patka
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Haarman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001858:Bone Nails; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007773:Lactates / Q000737:chemistry*; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008422:Materials Testing; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry*; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007773:Lactates; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D013193:Stainless Steel; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)