Totally absorbable fixation in the treatment of fractures of the distal femoral epiphyses. A prospective clinical study.
Nine adolescent patients with a femoral fracture involving the physeal plate were treated by using self-reinforced absorbable polyglycolide (SR-PGA) and poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) screws with a follow-up for an average of 2 years and 2 months. During the follow-up all but one of the femurs became skeletally mature. In two of nine patients a clinically significant growth disturbance occurred. The average length difference of the femurs was -5 mm (ranging from +8 mm(-)-41 mm). One valgus deformity was noted. In four patients a lengthening and in four patients a shortening of the operated femur were registered at the end of follow-up. Open reduction and fixation with absorbable screws seem to be suitable for the fixation of distal femoral fractures in adolescents.
Partio
E K
EK
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Tuompo
P
P
Hirvensalo
E
E
Böstman
O
O
Rokkanen
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001863:Bone Screws; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011091:Polyesters; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)