Abstract
Aims: Aware of good results recently obtained with synthetic biodegradable polymers, in order to avoid problems seen with the use of metal implants, we adopted an intramedullary absorbable poly-l-lactic acid pins þxation in displaced metatarsal fractures. This paper reports on the results we have obtained. Methods: Eleven patients underwent open reduction and internal þxation of the fracture fragments using biodegradable pins of the following sizes: diameter 3,2 millimetre x length 5.0–6.0–7.0 millimetre. Clinical examination and X-ray controls were done three, six, twelve weeks and one year after surgery. In addition all patients were followed up with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: All patients operated healed in about 2 months without cast immobilization or prolonged rest. Serial radiographs showed good alignment of the bone and solid union at the fracture site. No inßammatory foreign body reactions or local infections were observed. Conclusions: SR-PLLA pins can provide a good stable metatarsal fracture þxation during bone healing but our study needs a longer-term follow- up to demonstrate their biologic value.
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.
