title: Self-reinforced bioabsorbable miniplates for skeletal fixation in complex hand injury: three case reports.
abstract: We report our preliminary experience with 3 cases in which internal fixation with a self-reinforced poly-l/dl-lactide 70/30 miniplate and 1.5-mm or 2.0-mm screws were used to stabilize an open metacarpal fracture, a metacarpophalangeal arthrodesis in a thumb replantation, and an interposed bone graft for reconstruction of a thumb. Clinical and radiologic follow-up evaluation lasted for 12 to 20 months. Bone healing was uneventful in all 3 cases with no displacement or delayed union. The implants were biocompatible with no clinically manifested foreign body reaction. Because of the self-reinforcing manufacturing technique the plates have metal-like mechanical and handling properties. Complete late resorption makes self-reinforced poly-l/dl-lactide 70/30 miniplating systems an attractive alternative to metallic implants for skeletal stabilization of small bones of the hand.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Unit for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
authors.forename: Eero
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Waris
authors.forename: Milomir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ninkovic
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harpf
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ninkovic
authors.forename: Nureddin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ashammakhi
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001860:Bone Plates; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005260:Female; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011091:Polyesters; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012092:Replantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)