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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Absorbable implants in fracture management.

The use of absorbable implants has been studied extensively in the clinic and the laboratory. The limitations of absorbable implants are now well-known and include a finite life span and strength profile, the possible development of an inflammatory response, and their limitation to use in fractures that do not require traditional compression techniques. Advantages of these implants include the lack of necessity for removal at a later date, which has cost savings potential, their ease of use, and their strength, which may be sufficient for healing in certain situations. The most likely scenarios for the use of these implants in fracture management of the foot and ankle include syndesmotic disruptions, dislocations about the midfoot, and fractures of the medial malleolus.

Absorbable Implants↗

[Absorbable implants in traumatology of the musculoskeletal system].

Absorbable implants made of synthetic biodegradable polymers were recently used clinically especially for the fixation of small intra-articular fractures and physical fractures. In the paper history research and current concepts concerning biological response to biodegradable polymers and main indications for using absorbable implants for fixation of fractures are presented.

Animals↗

Redisplacement after ankle osteosynthesis with absorbable implants.

A total of 1202 fractures of the ankle were treated with absorbable implants made of polyglycolide/polylactide copolymer or self-reinforced polyglycolide and/or self-reinforced polylactide between November 5, 1984, and January 12, 1994. A redisplacement after fixation was diagnosed in 30 patients (2.5%). The redisplacement occurred in 8 of 934 (0.9%) simple ankle fractures and in 22 of 268 (8.2%) severer ankle fractures. A breakage or loosening of the absorbable implant was verified at reoperation in 8 cases and was suspected in another 9. A technical failure was the main reason in 13 cases. A reoperation was performed for 25 patients. The absorbable implants seem to provide a secure fixation in the majority of ankle fractures, but the use of these implants showed unsatisfactory results in unstable and comminuted fractures.

Absorption↗

Properties of bovine fibrin absorbable implants.

The assimilation characteristics of absorbable bovine fibrin implants in an experimental situation are described, and the effect of delaying absorption with formaldehyde treatment is demonstrated. Essentially, in vivo in the rat, Biethium fibrin implants are absorbed in approximately four to eight weeks because of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte digestion. An indication of the clinical uses in stress incontinence and hemorrhage of the liver are given, together with a look at the future of some of the other areas in which this absorbable, biologic plastic may fit into the surgeon's armamentarium to replace deficient or destroyed tissue.

Absorption↗

Absorbable implants in surgical correction of a capitellar malunion in an 11-year-old: a case report.

We present the case of an 11-year-old girl who had a corrective osteotomy reconstruction using absorbable implants for a malunited capitellar fracture 3-1/2 months after a dislocation of her elbow joint. This operative stabilization enabled early joint mobilization and, finally, excellent results in terms of anatomy and function at a 2-year follow-up. We were not able to find any similar report in the English literature dealing with corrective osteotomy reconstruction using absorbable implant fixation for a malunited capitellum in a child.

Absorbable Implants↗

Biomechanical properties of absorbable implants in finger fractures.

The mechanical rigidity of five different methods of pin fixation in two proximal phalangeal fracture models was studied and absorbable implants were compared with metallic implants in a biomechanical cadaver study. Thirty phalanges were tested in apex palmar bending, compression and torsion. Results showed that rigidity of absorbable implants was comparable with metallic implants, except in torsion.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Absorbable implants in nondrainage procedures for repair of retinal detachment.

Our experience in 1,700 consecutive cases of retinal surgery for the repair of nontraumatic, rhegmatogenous retinal detachments using a modified technique involving a nondrainage procedure with an absorbable implant was presented. We found that 228 of these 1,700 cases fell into our criteria for the use of this technique. We discussed the indications and contraindications for both the operative procedure and for the absorbable implant, and it is our belief that this technique is a valuable addition to the methods available to the retinal surgeon for the treatment of certain selected cases of retinal detachment.

Drainage↗

Comparison of metal versus absorbable implants in tension-band wiring: a preliminary study.

The strength of tension-band wiring using bioabsorbable materials versus metal implants was assessed with a rabbit knee fusion model. Ten rabbit knees were osteotomized and rigidly fixed using a tension-band technique: five with metal implants (2 pins and 24-gauge wire) and five with absorbable implants (2-mm pins [Bionx, Blue Bell, Pa] and 1 Maxon [Davis and Geck, Danbury, Conn]). Biomechanical testing of the fixation strength was completed using a servohydraulic mechanical testing machine and a specifically designed four-point bending jig. The parameters assessed were maximal load, relative stiffness, displacement, and bending moment of the constructs. Results of the biomechanical testing showed no statistical difference between the constructs on any of the parameters assessed.

Absorbable Implants↗

[Refixation of osteochondral fragments using absorbable implants. First results of a retrospective study].

An osteochondral lesion in a weight bearing joint causes therapeutic problems. Surgical therapy focuses on the restoration of the articular surface, unlimited motion of the joint and prevention of cartilaginous degeneration. A causal therapy to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis is the fixation of osteochondral fragments. Various absorbable implants for the purpose of refixation are available, but only a few have proved to be biocompatible. This retrospective study presents the preliminary results after refixation of osteochondral fragments of the ankle and knee joints. We used self-reinforced absorbable pins, nails and screws made of polylactide acid. The results for 15 patients with 17 fractures of 16 joints were evaluated. All patients were scored by the Tegner-activity-level, the McDermott-score and the DGKKT-score, and 13 of them were monitored by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The follow-up extended for an average of 14.3 months (range: 4-43 months). The clinical results for all patients were good (McDermott-score: Ø 89 points, DGKKT-score: Ø 78.8 points, Tegner: pre-op vs post-op=Ø 4.6 vs Ø 5.1) and the surgical therapy proved to be successful. The MRI showed the complete incorporation and vitality of the fragment as well as a congruence of the joint surface. The clinical course and the MRI gave little reference to an inflammatory reaction due to the implants that complicated the course of two patients. These results indicate that absorbable implants made of polylactide acid are biocompatible and effective in the fixation of osteochondral fragments.

Absorbable Implants↗

Absorbable implants in the treatment of distal humeral fractures in adolescents and adults.

Between 1986 and 1994, 57 consecutive patients with a distal humeral fracture were treated operatively using absorbable implants, 15 of them were treated by combining absorbable pins or screws with metallic implants. According to the AO/ASIF system, there were 13 Type A, 21 Type B and 10 Type C fractures. Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up. The clinical outcome was reviewed in 44 patients with an average follow-up time of 4.6 years. The functional results by Broberg and Morrey were excellent or good in 36 (81%), fair in three (6,8%) and poor in five (11,2%) patients. Twenty-nine (66%) patients indicated their satisfaction with the outcome of the treatment. The elderly had more severely unstable fractures and more unfavourable results than younger patients. A postoperative redisplacement was seen in 11 (25%) patients and infection in seven (16%) patients. An abacterial foreign-body reaction occurred in four (9,1%) patients. The results were favourable in the noncomminuted epicondylar and condylar fractures of the distal humerus as well as in the humeral capitellum fractures. The results were unsatisfactory in the comminuted intraaticular distal humeral fractures.

Absorption↗

Absorbable implants for open shoulder stabilization. A 7-8-year clinical and radiographic follow-up.

Eighteen consecutive patients who had recurrent, unidirectional, post-traumatic shoulder instability were included. All these patients underwent surgery using an open Bankart technique involving absorbable suture anchors. The median age at the index operation was 27 (16-50) years. One subluxation and two re-dislocations occurred during the follow-up period of 90 (80-95) months. At the 90-month control, the Rowe and Constant scores were 94 (63-100) points and 88.5 (65-100) points, respectively. The strength measurements on the index side in 90 degrees abduction revealed 8.1 (3.7-17.2) kg compared with 7.6 (2.7-17.6) kg on the contra lateral side (n.s.). The external rotation in abduction was 80 (60-95) degrees compared with 100 (70-120) degrees for the contra lateral side (p = 0.0015). Signs of minor or moderate degeneration were found in five of 18 patients (28%) on the preoperative radiographs. There was a significant continuous increase in degenerative changes during the follow-up period as seen on the seven, 33 and 90-month radiographs (p = 0.01, 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). On the 90-month radiographs, 12 of 18 patients (67%) had minor, moderate or severe degenerative changes (p = 0.0004 preoperative vs. 90 months). On the 7-month radiographs, two of 18 patients (11%) had invisible or hardly visible drill holes in conjunction with the absorbable implants. On the 90-month radiographs, 12 of 18 patients (67%) had invisible or hardly visible drill holes (p = 0.003 7 months vs. 90 months). In the long term, the method resulted in stable, well-functioning shoulders in 15 of 18 patients (83%). The stabilisation was not, however, able to prevent further increases in radiographic degenerative changes during the 7-8-year follow-up. The drill holes used for the absorbable suture anchors appeared to heal in the majority of patients during the follow-up period.

Absorbable Implants↗

Arthroscopic and open shoulder stabilization using absorbable implants. A clinical and radiographic comparison of two methods.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results in patients with recurrent unidirectional, post-traumatic shoulder instability (dislocations/subluxations). All the patients had a Bankart lesion and underwent reconstruction using either an open or an arthroscopic technique and absorbable implants. Thirty-three consecutive patients (36 shoulders) were operated on by one surgeon. Group A comprised 18 shoulders which underwent an open Bankart reconstruction using absorbable 3.7-mm TAG suture anchors. Group B comprised 18 shoulders which underwent a combination of an intra- and extra-articular arthroscopic stabilization using 8-mm Suretac fixators. The median number of dislocations before the reconstruction was 5(0-45) in group A and 4 (0-30) in group B (NS). The follow-up examination was performed by an independent observer after a median of 31 (range 25-38) months in group A and 28 (range 18-46) months in group B (NS). An independent radiologist without any knowledge of the surgical procedure evaluated all the radiographs. There were no re-dislocations in either group. In group A, the Rowe and Constant scores were 86 (range 61-98) and 89 (range 73-99), respectively. The corresponding values in group B were 92 (range 83-98; P = 0.05) and 96 (range 75-100; NS). The external rotation in abduction was 65 degrees (range 20 degrees-90 degrees) in group A and 83 degrees (range 65 degrees-105 degrees) in group B (P = 0.0017). The radiographs revealed that 10/18 (56%) in group A and 4/18 (23%) in group B had visible drill-holes or cystic formations in conjunction with the drill-holes (P = 0.002). In this study the open procedure resulted in a restriction in external rotation more frequently than the arthroscopic procedure. The radiographs revealed visible drill-holes or cystic formations in conjunction with the drill-holes more frequently when TAG suture anchors were used than when Suretac fixators were used. The radiographic changes did, not appear to affect the clinical outcome, however.

Adolescent↗

Absorbable implants for open shoulder stabilization: a clinical and serial radiographic evaluation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients who had recurrent, unidirectional, post-traumatic shoulder instability were included. All the patients underwent surgery with a standardized open Bankart technique involving absorbable suture anchors. CLINICAL RESULTS: No redislocations occurred during the study period of 31 months (range 25 to 38 months). The Rowe and Constant scores were 86 points (range 61 to 98 points) and 89 points (range 73 to 99 points), respectively. The strength measurements revealed 8.6 kg (range 3.8 to 15 kg) in 90 degrees abduction compared with 9.3 kg (range 2.2 to 16.5 kg) in the control shoulders (not significant). The external rotation in abduction was 65 degrees (range 20 degrees to 90 degrees) compared with 91 degrees (range 80 degrees to 105 degrees) in the control group (P < .001). RADIOGRAPHIC RESULTS: Signs of minor or moderate degeneration were found in 10 of 18 patients on the preoperative radiographs, in 15 of 18 at 7 months, and in 16 of 18 at 33 months (P < .05 before surgery vs 33 months). From the preoperative examination to the 7-month control, 7 of 18 patients had an increase in degenerative changes, and from the 7-month to the 33-month control, an increase was found in 8 of 18 (P = .008, before surgery vs 7 months; P = .005, 7 months vs 33 months). At the 7-month control, 8 of 18 patients had invisible or hardly visible drill holes, and 10 of 18 had visible or cystic drill holes at the site of implantation for the absorbable suture anchors. At the 33-month control, 10 of 18 patients had invisible or hardly visible drill holes, and 8 of 18 had visible or cystic drill holes (not significant, 7 months vs 33 months). CONCLUSION: The method resulted in stable shoulders in 17 of 18 patients. Degenerative changes were present on the radiographs in most of the patients and appeared to increase over time. Visible drill holes or drill holes with cystic changes were seen on the radiographs in a significant number of patients at the 7-month and the 33-month control and did not appear to heal during the follow-up period.

Absorbable Implants↗

Metallic or absorbable implants for ankle fractures: a comparative study of infections in 3,111 cases.

Absorbable fracture fixation has been in clinical use since 1984. Our study compares the infection rates and some infection parameters between metallic (2073 patients) and absorbable fracture fixation devices (1012 patients) in displaced ankle fractures. The infection rate associated with metallic fixation was 4.1%, compared with 3.2% absorbable fixation (p 0.3). The patients who had a wound infection were older when metallic fixation was used (p 0.01). They also had a bi- or trimalleolar fracture more often than did patients treated with absorbable fracture fixation, but this difference did not have a significant effect on the wound infection rate (p 0.2). The infections were mostly caused by microorganisms of the Staphylococcus species. Deep infections were equally common with both fixation methods (0.4%), but there was some variation in the bacterial spectrum.

Adolescent↗

Distal tibiofibular synostosis after malleolar fractures treated using absorbable implants.

Three patients (3.8%) of 80 with displaced malleolar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using absorbable polyglycolide rods were found to have developed distal tibiofibular synostosis. To assess the general incidence of this complication, the serial radiographs of 150 patients with an identical distribution of the initial fracture severity treated with AO-ASIF implants were examined for comparison. Among these, no cases of tibiofibular synostosis were found. The difference (P = .04) in incidence was postulated to be due to an osteogenic potential of the absorbable polymeric material, suggested previously in experimental studies. This study included fractures of the lateral malleolus and bimalleolar fractures, but patients with a disruption of the inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis causing tibiofibular diastasis on admission were excluded. The synostoses occurred in middle-aged, sedentary people, and no active measures were necessary because of the mild subjective symptoms of these patients. Previously, posttraumatic distal tibiofibular synostosis has been recorded as an uncommon late complication of severe ankle fractures with tibiofibular diastasis requiring transsyndesmotic fixation, but it has not been reported to occur after malleolar fractures of the kind surveyed in this study.

Adolescent↗

Bioabsorbable implants.

Absorbable implants have become the hottest implant material, overtaking titanium as the future. Absorbable devices have moved beyond orthopedics and maxillofacial surgery to spine, vascular, plastics and general surgery. This chapter outlines the experiences of many specialties.

Absorbable Implants↗

Foreign body reactions to absorbable implant fixation of osteotomies.

The authors present two case studies which describe a destructive, nonspecific foreign-body reaction encountered while using the Biofix absorbable rod system. At Dallas Family Hospital, the Biofix system has been used in 32 first metatarsal procedures, 10 lesser metatarsal procedures, and 15 digital procedures. Twenty-seven patients are included, with two developing a reaction that required surgical drainage and debridement. The first reaction was noted to be extremely violent with destruction of bone and soft tissue. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive therapy is necessary to minimize the soft tissue and bony destruction that may occur. Surgical drainage and debridement are often necessary to control the reaction.

Absorption↗