Absorbable fasteners for the fixation of ankle fractures.
Bioabsorbable materials have been used for the treatment of fractures for more than a century. We reviewed the results of a combined series of 30 ankle fractures from Bad Hersfeld, Germany, and Louisville, Kentucky, using initially polyglycolide and more recently poly-L-lactide screws and rods. The results were comparable to treatment with metal screws. The advantage of bioabsorbable implants is they do not need operations to take them out. There was a low incidence of reaction around the screw heads, which was reduced further with the use of the newer self-reinforced poly-L-lactate screws. The technique for use of plastics is different than the methods for placement of metal screws. Bioabsorbables will have an increasing role in fracture fixation in the future.
George
K
K
Department of Orthopedics, University of Louisville, USA.
Becker
D
D
Seligson
D
D
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers
D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)