title: Biocomposite Implants Composed of Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide)/β-Tricalcium Phosphate: Systematic Review of Imaging, Complication, and Performance Outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the degradation and performance outcomes of poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/β-TCP) implants.
  
  
  METHODS
  A MEDLINE and Embase search for randomized or nonrandomized controlled studies and prospective or retrospective case series that used biocomposite interference screws or suture anchors composed of PLGA/β-TCP was performed. Main outcomes included volume of implant resorption and incidence of osteoconductivity at implant sites, imaging findings, adverse events, and the frequency of reoperations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 13 studies representing 668 patients with either knee or shoulder implants were included. Median follow-up was 28 months (range: 12-37 months). Biocomposite implants lost 88% of their original volume during follow-up. Osteoconductivity at the implant site was identified in 63% of cases. Adverse events included tunnel widening (3%), effusion (5%), and cyst formation (4%). Synovitis was not reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biocomposite interference screws or suture anchors composed of PLGA/β-TCP almost fully absorb over 3 years while promoting osteoconductivity with few reported adverse events.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level IV, systematic review of Level I-IV studies.
authors.affiliation: Plano Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Spine Center, Plano, Texas, U.S.A.
authors.forename: F Alan
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Barber
authors.affiliation: DePuy Synthes Mitek Sports Medicine, Raynham, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Spenciner
authors.affiliation: DePuy Synthes Mitek Sports Medicine, Raynham, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharyya
authors.affiliation: Miller Scientific Consulting, Inc., Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Larry E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D001863:Bone Screws; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D006801:Humans; D016348:Osseointegration; D011091:Polyesters; D053441:Suture Anchors
chemical_list: D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D011091:Polyesters; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate; C033616:poly(lactide)