title: The bioresorbable syndesmotic screw: application of polymer technology in ankle fractures.
abstract: A bioresorbable syndesmotic screw was used successfully for fixation in 4 patients, 3 with a bimalleolar Weber type-C ankle fracture and 1 with a Maisonneuve-type injury. The 5-mm screw consisted of a polyglycolic acid/polylactic acid copolymer placed in standard fashion at the time of open reduction and internal fixation. The patients healed without difficulty, and follow-up radiographs showed anatomic maintenance of the syndesmotic space. There were no resorption problems. Signs of minimal irritation were noted at the screw-head site in 2 patients at 3 to 4 months after surgery, but the irritation did not hamper activity or rehabilitation. The screws maintained alignment. Preliminary results suggest that a larger study to further evaluate the effect of this screw is appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Stuart D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Roy J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Carls
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome