title: The value of osteosynthesis in the treatment of bimalleolar fractures.
abstract: A total of 69 patients with displaced bimalleolar fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, 35 using AO/ASIF implants and 34 using biodegradable self-reinforced polyglycolide or polylactide devices. A third group consisted on 35 patients who were treated non-operatively. The result of treatment was evaluated after a minimum follow-up time of twelve months. A would infection complicated the course in four patients treated with AO/ASIF implants. A transient local fluid accumulation was seen in two patients with biodegradable implants. Four patients under non-operative treatment suffered redisplacement of the fracture. In conclusion, biodegradable internal fracture fixation devices proved to be a valuable new method for the treatment of displaced ankle fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, University of St. Kiril and Methodius, Skopje, Macedonia.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Velkovski
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials