title: A biodegradable expansion plug for the fixation of fractures of the medial malleolus.
abstract: 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.
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: 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
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)