[Semirigid plate osteosyntheses using absorbable polymers as temporary implants. I. Introduction, chemical composition and material-related studies].

Possible indications for the use of biodegradable implants are presented and the chemical compounds in question are briefly described. The results of a laboratory investigation to determine mechanical stability, tensile strength and molecular weight are reported, in order to characterize the polymers and co-polymers of the lactide under study.