title: Use of bioabsorbable osteofixation devices in the hand.
abstract: Bioabsorbable internal fixation by means of pins, tacks, screws and miniplates offers an alternative to metallic osteofixation for the stabilization of small bone fractures, osteotomies, ligament injuries and fusions in the hand. The advantages of using them include avoidance of metallic-implant-related long-term complications and a secondary removal operation. Currently the most commonly used devices are made of poly L-lactide (PLLA) and copolymers of polylactides (P(L/DL)LA) and polyglycolide (PLGA). In areas of mechanical stress, the use of ultra-high-strength self-reinforced devices is recommended. Biomechanical studies on fresh frozen bones have shown that the fixation rigidity achieved with self-reinforced devices approaches that of metallic osteofixation methods. The reliability of modern implants has been confirmed in several experimental and clinical studies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland. eero.waris@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Waris
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ashammakhi
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kaarela
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Raatikainen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vasenius
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000042:Absorption; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011091:Polyesters; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)