title: Absorbable self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) screws for the fixation of fractures and osteotomies: strength and strength retention in vitro and in vivo.
abstract: The initial mechanical strength and strength retention in vitro and in vivo of novel absorbable and self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) screws for the fixation of fractures and osteotomies were determined. The SR-PGA screws showed initial bending strength values comparable with those of yield strength of standard stainless steel. The SR-PGA screws lost all their bending and shear strengths in 6 weeks in vivo. The strength retention properties of SR-PGA screws are sufficient for safe fixation of relatively rapidly consolidating fractures and osteotomies of cancellous bone that are not exposed to hard mechanical stresses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vasenius
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Helevirta
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kuisma
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rokkanen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Törmälä
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000592:standards*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008422:Materials Testing; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D011817:Rabbits; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors