Complications in the first 1,043 operations where self-reinforced poly-L-lactide implants were used solely for tissue fixation in orthopaedics and traumatology.

This is an analysis from one hospital of the first 1043 operations where pure self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) implants have been used alone. The operations were performed between 1988 and 1999 and included 407 orthopaedic patients and 636 trauma patients. There was a total of 107 complications. There were 21 infections but no sinus formation. Failure of fixation was seen in 46 patients. In 936 operations the healing was uneventful.