title: Research and application of absorbable screw in orthopedics: a clinical review comparing PDLLA screw with metal screw in patients with simple medial malleolus fracture.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the therapeutic effect of absorbable screw in medial malleolus fracture and discuss its clinical application in orthopedics.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 129 patients with simple medial malleolus fracture were studied. Among them, 64 patients were treated with poly-D, L-lactic acid (PDLLA) absorbable screws, while the others were treated with metal screws. All the patients were followed up for 12-20 months (averaged 18.4 months) and the therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical rating systems.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In absorbable screw group, we obtained excellent and good results in 62 cases (96.88%); in steel screw group, 61 cases (93.85%) achieved excellent and good results. There was no significant difference between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the treatment of malleolus fracture, absorbable screw can achieve the same result compared with metal screw fixation. Absorbable screw is preferred due to its advantages of safety, cleanliness and avoiding the removal procedure associated with metallic implants.
authors: Foxconn Clinic, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
authors: Jin
authors: J
authors: Tang
authors: Jin-feng
authors: JF
authors: Hu
authors: Wei-chun
authors: WC
authors: Guo
authors: Ling
authors: L
authors: Yu
authors: Sheng-hao
authors: SH
authors: Zhao
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D064386:Ankle Fractures; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013232:Steel
chemical_list: D013232:Steel