title: [Report of the Biodegradable Implants Study Group].
abstract: There is a group for the development and testing of biodegradable implants within the German Section of AO/ASIF-International. After in-vitro screening of various polylactide materials and copolymers a L/DL-polylactide 70/30 was selected. In animal experiments it showed long durability over a period of 9 months and expected degradation afterwards. In clinical experience over more than three years the biodegradable pins with x-ray opaque markers (Polypin) applied for fixation of osteochondral lesions yielded good results and no infections. A multicenter clinical study now includes 57 patients. Polypin is the first biodegradable implant of the AO/ASIF-group.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universität zu Köln.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Rehm
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Helling
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Claes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011091:Polyesters; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012756:Sheep; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)
vernacular_title: Bericht der Arbeitsgruppe Biodegradable Implantate.