The Role of Absorbable Pins in the Treatment of Fractures
10.4055/jkoa.1990.25.3.753
- Author:
Moon Sang CHUNG
;
Sang Hoon LEE
;
Kang Sup YOON
;
Jin Sup YEOM
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Absorbable pins;
Internal fixation;
Poly-p-dioxanone
- MeSH:
Absorbable Implants;
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary;
Humans;
Internal Fixators;
Intra-Articular Fractures;
Polymers;
Seoul;
Wounds and Injuries
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
1990;25(3):753-763
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Since 1954 when the first biodegradable polymer, polyglycolic acid(PGA), was synthesized, many different biodegradable and tissue-tolerant materials have been invested and studied for internal fixation devices. The use of biodegradable materials for the internal fixation of fractures would avoid the need for later removal of the implant. However, problems of a physical and chemical nature have delayed the development of biodegradable implants applicable to fracture management. The authors reviewed 17 cases in which the absorbable pins made of poly-p-dioxanone were used for internal fixation at Seoul National University Hospital between December, 1987 and September, 1989, and report on 11 patients who had at least 6 months follow-up(average 9.1 months). The results were graded as excellent(5 cases), good(4 cases), poor(0 case), and questionable(2 cases). In the 9 cases where the absorbable pins were used for internal fixation of the intraarticular fractures or defects, satisfactory(excellent or good) results were obtained. In the 2 cases where the absorbable pins were used for intramedullary nailing, the role of the pins was questionable. There were no complications such as wound sinus formation, secondary displacement of the fragemts and delayed union or nonunion.
