Linked Life Data

8606392

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/8606392

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3 Suppl
pubmed:dateCreated
1996-5-17
pubmed:abstractText
Totally absorbable internal fracture fixation devices were introduced clinically in the treatment of fractures and osteotomies of the extremities at our department in 1984. A total of 2,500 patients were managed using bone or ligament fixation devices made of self-reinforced (matrix and fibers of same polymer) absorbable alpha-hydroxy polyesters between November 5, 1984, and January 12, 1994. The devices used included cylindrical rods or pins, screws, tacks, plugs, and wires. The most common indication for the use of absorbable implants was displaced malleolar fracture of the ankle. Transphyseal fixation with small-diameter polyglycolide pins was used in children. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful in over 90% of the patients. The complications included bacterial wound infection in 3.6% and failure of fixation in 3.7%. In one-fifth of these cases, however, reoperation was not necessary. The occurrence of noninfectious foreign-body reactions 2 to 3 months postoperatively has been observed in 2.3% of the patients operated in the last years with polyglcolide implants but in none of the patients with polylactide implants. This inflammatory tissue response often required aspiration with a needle or small incision but did not influence the ultimate functional or radiologic result of treatment. Owing to the biodegradability of these internal fixation devices, over 1,000 implant removal procedures were avoided during the 9-year period under review, allowing medical personnel at these facilities to focus on other procedures. Avoidance of removal procedures results in financial benefits and psychological advantages. The benefits of absorbable implants for war surgery are the same as for civilian life. Absorbable implants can also be used in open fractures and infection operations.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
AIM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Mar
pubmed:issn
0022-5282
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
40
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
S123-7
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1996
pubmed:articleTitle
Absorbable devices in the fixation of fractures.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University, Finland.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't