Biodegradable pin fixation of osteochondral fragments of the knee.

The authors present 3 cases of osteochondritis and 2 cases of osteochondral fracture of the knee. These cases were treated with a bioabsorbable ultra high strength poly (L-lactide) pin, which has the highest mechanical strength value of any nonfiber reinforced poly (L-lactide) reported previously. Three of the patients were male, and 2 were females; their ages ranged from 12 to 21 years. The followup period ranged from 2 years to 7 years 9 months (mean, 4.1 years). Two to 4 poly (L-lactide) pins with a diameter of 2 mm were used to fix the osteochondral fragments or the transplanted autogenous osteochondral grafts. In all cases, satisfactory bone union was obtained, and no inflammatory reaction was observed during the entire followup periods. The ranges of motion were normal, and there was no pain in any of the cases. It is concluded that the poly (L-lactide) pin is safe and useful in the repair of osteochondral fractures of the knee and in fixing grafted osteochondral fragments.