WITHDRAWN: Bioresorbable fixation devices for musculoskeletal injuries in adults.
BACKGROUND
Bioresorbable implants for musculoskeletal injuries involving bone and ligaments in adults might have significant advantages compared to the conventionally used non-resorbable metal implants because they lead to a gradual transfer of the mechanical load from the implant to the healing bone and do not require a secondary removal operation. Tissue reactions may present a problem and bioresorbable screws are mechanically not as strong as their metal counterparts.


OBJECTIVE
To compare bioresorbable implants to non-resorbable implants with respect to functional outcome, wound infections, other complications and reoperation rate,in the fixation of bone fractures or re-attachment of soft tissue to bone.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (March 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2004), EMBASE (1988 to February 2004), BL Inside (to February 2004), SIGLE (to February 2004), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials at http//:controlled-trials.com/, and reference lists of articles.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials, comparing bioresorbable osteosynthesis with metal osteosynthesis (including titanium and stainless steel implants) were included.


METHODS
Review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data were pooled where relevant and possible. Sub-analyses for specific type of fractures and for specific type of tissue reactions were performed. Requests for more information were sent to trialists.


RESULTS
No significant difference between the bioresorbable and other implants could be demonstrated with respect to functional outcome, infections and other complications. Reoperation rates were lower in some of the groups of people treated with bioresorbable implants.


CONCLUSIONS
In a selected group of compliant patients with simple fractures, the use of bioresorbable fixation devices might be advantageous.
Jainandunsing
Jayant S
JS
Surgical ICU, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands, 9700 RB. jsjainandunsing@yahoo.com
van der Elst
Maarten
M
van der Werken
Christian
C
D000042:Absorption; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020878:Device Removal; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials