title: Absorbable polyglycolide devices in trauma and bone surgery.
abstract: Poly(glycolic acid) or polyglycolide (PGA) is a polymer of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is produced during normal body metabolism and is known as hydroxyacetic acid. Strong implants can be manufactured from this polymer with a self-reinforcing (SR) technique and used in the treatment of fractures and osteotomies. Since 1984, SR-PGA implants have been used routinely in our hospital for internal fixation of bone fractures. These implants were studied extensively in experimental animals and proved biocompatible. In 1.7% of human cases, sinus formation may develop after the use of these implants, which does not disturb healing. Use of these absorbable implants is justified as it obviates the need for a second operation for implant removal and avoids the risks associated with biostable implants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ashammakhi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rokkanen
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D001858:Bone Nails; D001863:Bone Screws; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid