Absorbable fixation in forefoot surgery: a viable alternative to metallic hardware

Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2013 Jul;30(3):283-93. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2013.04.001.

Abstract

After 4 to 8 weeks of normal primary bone healing, rigid internal fixation is no longer required. Newer generation absorbable implants have become reliable and cost-effective alternatives to metallic hardware. Modern implants are formulated to have increased strength and smoother resorption over the course of 18 to 24 months, which decreases the possibility of local inflammation. Historically, bioresorbable screws can be time consuming to insert, but newer devices are being developed that help ease their insertion. A case of a bunionectomy is presented with double osteotomy on a 40-year-old nurse fixated with polyglycolic acid and poly-l-lactic acid copolymer screws.

Keywords: Absorbable fixation; ORIF; Polydiaxonone; Polyglycolic acid; Polylactic acid; Tornier RFS screw.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants*
  • Adult
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bone Plates
  • Bone Screws
  • Female
  • Forefoot, Human / diagnostic imaging
  • Forefoot, Human / physiopathology
  • Forefoot, Human / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Hallux Valgus / diagnostic imaging
  • Hallux Valgus / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / pharmacology
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Polyesters
  • Polyglycolic Acid / pharmacology
  • Polymers / pharmacology
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)