Arvo Kukk1, Janne T Nurmi. 1. Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland. arvo.kukk@netikka.fi
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biodegradable fixation implants have been developed to avoid secondary hardware removal. The aim of this study was to retrospectively follow-up ankle fracture patients treated with a biodegradable plate and screws, and to evaluate the clinical outcome and occurrence of complications. METHODS: Fifty-seven ankle fracture patients treated with biodegradable implants were invited, and a total of 50 were available to participate in this study. The follow-up included a review of each patient's medical records, evaluation of radiographs, fracture reduction classification, and functional scoring. RESULTS: There were 36 lateral malleolar and 14 bimalleolar fractures. No perioperative complications occurred. Average follow-up time was 17 months. All fractures healed. Fracture alignment was classified as anatomical in 49 patients and good in 1 case. The mean Olerud and Molander functional ankle score at final follow-up was 86. Eight patients had postoperative complications. These included delayed wound healing in 1 case, 3 cases of deep-vein thrombosis, and 4 soft tissue reactions. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this retrospective study, the biodegradable implants used yielded fracture healing and functional results comparable to those previously reported after conventional metal fixation.
BACKGROUND: Biodegradable fixation implants have been developed to avoid secondary hardware removal. The aim of this study was to retrospectively follow-up ankle fracturepatients treated with a biodegradable plate and screws, and to evaluate the clinical outcome and occurrence of complications. METHODS: Fifty-seven ankle fracturepatients treated with biodegradable implants were invited, and a total of 50 were available to participate in this study. The follow-up included a review of each patient's medical records, evaluation of radiographs, fracture reduction classification, and functional scoring. RESULTS: There were 36 lateral malleolar and 14 bimalleolar fractures. No perioperative complications occurred. Average follow-up time was 17 months. All fractures healed. Fracture alignment was classified as anatomical in 49 patients and good in 1 case. The mean Olerud and Molander functional ankle score at final follow-up was 86. Eight patients had postoperative complications. These included delayed wound healing in 1 case, 3 cases of deep-vein thrombosis, and 4 soft tissue reactions. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this retrospective study, the biodegradable implants used yielded fracture healing and functional results comparable to those previously reported after conventional metal fixation.
Authors: J M Poircuitte; D Popkov; P Popkov; H Huber; D H Huber; E Polirsztok; P Lascombes; P Journeau Journal: Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol Date: 2015-06-18