[Semirigid plate osteosyntheses using absorbable polymers as temporary implants. II. Animal experiment studies].

Polylactide-l test rods showed an initial stability of 130 N/mm2 in the three-point bending test; the stability decreased after implantation in the dorsal muscle of the rat within 5 weeks to about half the initial value. The copolymer materials showed less initial strength, and the stability decreased under the same conditions much earlier. All materials showed good tissue compatibility. After a transverse section of the beagle radius was stabilized with plates and screws out of polylactide-l, a delayed bony union with callus formation was observed.