Do intramedullary rods of self-reinforced poly-L-lactide or poly-DL/L-lactide cause lactic acid acidosis in rabbits?
Intramedullary rods of self-reinforced poly-DL/L-lactic acid or poly-L-lactic acid were implanted in both femurs of ten rabbits for 60 weeks.  Levels of arterial blood L- and D-lactate, pyruvate, pH, pCO2, base excess, standard bicarbonate, pO2 and O2-saturation were determined before implantation and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 weeks after implantation.  No significant increase in blood L- and D-lactate level was observed at any follow-up.  Also, the blood acid-base balance remained normal throughout the study. Further studies on larger implants and on larger animals with follow-ups up to 5 years are recommended.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
J
J
Vasenius
A
A
Majola
E L
EL
Miettinen
P
P
Törmälä
P
P
Rokkanen
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000140:Acidosis, Lactic / Q000209:etiology*; D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D011091:Polyesters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits