O2114 CLINICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE TOMOGRAPHICAL RESULTS AFTER FIXATION OF RADIAL HEAD FRACTURES WITH BIODEGRADABLE RODS

Abstract

Aims: Fracture repair with biodegradable implants (BDI) avoids implant removal, associated with improved patientñs beneþt and reduced health cost. However, foreign body reactions around the implants have been reported. Furthermore, data on in-vivo degradation of BDI remain limited on animal trials or human case reports. Therefore, the purposes of this prospective study were 1) to evaluate clinical and radiological results and side effects of biodegradable rods used to treat radial head fractures and 2) to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualise BDI and their degradation. Methods: 31 displaced radial head fractures in 31 patients (median age of 30 (20–59) years) were þxed with PDLLA-rods. Clinical and radiological results were evaluated after a median follow-up of 18 (3–41) months (Broberg-Morrey score). MRI (1.5 Tesla) was applied in 14 patients. Results: The average Broberg-Morrey score was 90.5; 97% of the cases were classiþed as excellent or good, 3% as fair. Patientñs satisfaction was rated as excellent or good in 93%, as fair in 7%. No foreign body reaction was observed. In all 14 MRI cases localization, size and type of BDI were sufþciently depictable. Signiþcantly changed signal intensity, potentially representing material degradation, was not observed throughout a maximal follow-up interval of three years. Conclusions: More than 93% excellent or good subjective and objective results conþrm the advantageous use of PDLLA-rods for þxation of radial head fractures. MRI proved to be an appropriate non-invasive method to visualise type and size of BDI, whereas signs of implant degradation have not been seen after a median F/U of 18 months.