Abstract
Aims: This presentation deals with our clinical experience based on experimental studies when using bioabsorbable fixation devices in bone, joint and ligament surgery. These devices were clinically introduced by us in the treatment of fractures in the extremities in the mid – 1980’s. Our own list of publications consists of 1137 publications since 1978 including, 26 academic dissertations. Before and during our clinical studies over 6500 animals were operated on in our experimental studies. Macroscopic, radiographic, microradiographic, histologic, histomorphometric and fluorochrome studies were done. Methods: The strength, strength retention, degradation, bone changes, healing of fractures, and injuries, and the fixation properties of the implants were investigated in vivo. Results: In Kuopio (814) and in Helsinki (3555) 4369 operations were done using bioabsorbable self-reinforced (SR) fixation implants mainly polyglycolide or poly-L-lactide during 1984–2001. In Helsinki there were 2766 trauma operations and 789 orthopaedic operations. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful in 82% of the patients. The complications included wound infection in 4.0%, failure of fixation in 3.9%, a non-infectious foreign-body reaction (sinus) in 1.9% (with SR-polyglycolide implants) but not with SR-polylactide implants. Conclusions: Due to the biodegradibility of the devices, implant removal procedures were avoided.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
