Biodegradable fixation of ankle fractures. A roentgen stereophotogrammetric study of 32 cases.
We performed a prospective randomized study comparing fixation with biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) rods (n 15) or screws (n 17) in 32 selected displaced supination-eversion fractures. Immediate postoperative weight bearing in a walking cast was encouraged. An exact reconstruction of the ankle mortise was achieved in 26/32 ankles. Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) revealed rather small movements in the ankle mortise during fracture healing. A better stability was achieved by using screws. After 6 months the clinical results did not differ. One case of sinus formation and one with local effusion occurred; both healed without impairing the clinical result. To compare the results with a nondegradable osteosynthesis technique, a reference group of supination-eversion fractures previously operated on with cerclage-wires, staples and pins was used. RSA showed better fracture stability with nondegradable fixation. The clinical results, however, did not differ.
Ahl
T
T
Karolinska Institute Department of Orthopedics, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Dalén
N
N
Lundberg
A
A
Wykman
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001858:Bone Nails; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010780:Photogrammetry / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography