Ultra-high strength, self-reinforced absorbable polymeric composites for applications in different disciplines of surgery.
Biodegradable (or absorbable), self-reinforced polymeric composites have potential applications as temporary fixation materials in the treatment of damaged or operated tissues.  These materials have high strength and appropriate stiffness and strength retention which can be tailored according to the healing rate of recovering tissues.  Macroscopical, absorbable, ultra-high strength, self-reinforced, polymeric composites can be manufactured by creating the polymeric microstructure, where oriented reinforcing elements and matrix material, which have the same chemical element composition, are combined with each other. Self-reinforced materials can be processed into the form of rods, screws, tacks, cerclages, clamps, plates, spirals, etc.  Such implants have attractive application possibilities in different disciplines of surgery, such as orthopaedics and traumatology, in maxillofacial, oral and dental surgery and in internal organ surgery.
Tampere University of Technology, Biomaterials Laboratory, Finland.
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D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D008422:Materials Testing; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011817:Rabbits; D013718:Tensile Strength