Polylactide screws in acetabular osteotomy. 28 dysplastic hips followed for 1 year.

Absorbable polylactide screws were used for internal fixation of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) in 28 dysplastic hips. No cast was used and the patients were allowed to walk with partial weight bearing 1 month after surgery. Clinical and radiographic results were evaluated after 14 (6-24) months. Union occurred in all cases within 4 months without displacement of the osteotomy. No foreign-body inflammatory reaction on radiographs was observed, nor were there any local reactions, such as redness or swelling. Polylactide screws seem to provide sufficient strength for the internal fixation of RAO. Further observation is necessary to identify any late foreign body reaction.