Bioabsorbable polymers: materials technology and surgical applications.

Biostable and bioabsorbable biomaterials are used to manufacture implants for supporting, replacement, augmentation and guiding of growth of tissues. Bioabsorbable implants are a better choice for applications where only the temporary presence of the implant is needed. Because of bioabsorption of such implants, there is no need for a removal operation after healing of the tissue and the risks of implant related, long-term complications are eliminated or strongly reduced. Reinforcing of bioabsorbable materials is necessary in order to develop strong and safe, small implants for fixation of bone fractures and connective tissue damage. Self-reinforced bioabsorbable polymeric implants have been used so far extensively in the treatment of traumas of the musculoskeletal system.