Body-absorbable osteosynthesis devices.

The need for the development of totally body-absorbable internal bone fixation devices has been documented in the literature during recent years. A new process called 'orientrusion' has been developed which has made it possible to increase the strength of the polyactide up to 490 MPa. This material was found to be totally absorbable, and biocompatible. Bone fixation devices made from the orientruded polylactide have been successfully used in the fixation of medial malleolar fractures in humans.