Self-reinforced absorbable screws in the fixation of displaced ankle fractures: a prospective clinical study of 152 patients.

The series consisted of 152 patients with ankle fractures treated between May 1987 and August 1989 using absorbable screws of self-reinforced polyglycolide 3.4 mm in inner diameter and 25-70 mm in length. The mean follow-up time was 2 years, 5 months (range, 1 year, 7 months-3 years, 10 months). After open reduction, a channel was drilled through the fracture surfaces and the fragments were fixed with one absorbable screw or screws. A plaster cast was used postoperatively. At 1-year follow-up observation, the radiographical result was anatomical in 93.3% of 104 patients with unimalleolar and bimalleolar ankle fractures (Weber A or B) and in 80.5% of 41 severe ankle fractures. Seven patients were unavailable for follow-up observation. Two reoperations were performed because of primary or secondary failure of fixation. In all unimalleolar and bimalleolar fractures and in 95.1% of severe ankle fractures the functional recovery score was at least satisfactory. Sinus formation as a sign of tissue reaction was observed in 10 patients 2-6 months postoperatively, but this did not influence the healing of the fracture or the functional recovery. This report is the first extensive publication on the clinical use of absorbable screws.