A biodegradable expansion plug for the fixation of fractures of the medial malleolus.
In a prospective study, 26 patients with a displaced fracture of the medial malleolus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using an absorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide expansion plug. Twenty-one patients could be followed regularly for at least six months. The follow-up time ranged from six to 18 months. No redisplacements occurred, and the consolidation of the fractures was uneventful. There were no signs of inflammatory foreign-body reactions. This preliminary study showed the potential of the self-reinforced polylactide expansion plug in the internal fixation of cancellous bone fractures. Further clinical applications are being planned.
Pihlajamäki
H
H
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Böstman
O
O
Hirvensalo
E
E
Törmälä
P
P
Rokkanen
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001711:Biotransformation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011091:Polyesters; D011446:Prospective Studies
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)