A biodegradable expansion plug for the fixation of fractures of the medial malleolus
Pihlajamäki, H.; Böstman, O.; Hirvensalo, E.; Törmälä, P.; Rokkanen, P.
Annales Chirurgiae et Gynaecologiae 83(1): 49-54
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0355-9521 PMID: 8053639 Document Number: 431802
In a prospective study, 26 patients with a displaced fracture of the medial malleolus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using an absorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide expansion plug. Twenty-one patients could be followed regularly for at least six months. The follow-up time ranged from six to 18 months. No redisplacements occurred, and the consolidation of the fractures was uneventful. There were no signs of inflammatory foreign-body reactions. This preliminary study showed the potential of the self-reinforced polylactide expansion plug in the internal fixation of cancellous bone fractures. Further clinical applications are being planned.