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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Computed Tomography | Research article

Long-term outcomes of metacarpal fractures surgically treated using bioabsorbable plates: a retrospective study

Authors: Kenji Kosugi, Yukichi Zenke, Takafumi Tajima, Yoshiaki Yamanaka, Kunitaka Menuki, Akinori Sakai

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Implants made from bioabsorbable unsintered hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactate composites (u-HA/PLLA) are widely used in the oral, maxillofacial, and orthopedic fields. This study assess the long-term (> 5 years) outcomes of patients with metacarpal fractures who were surgically treated using bioabsorbable plates and screws (Super-Fixsorb MX40 mesh; Teijin Medical Technology, Osaka, Japan).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of six patients with eight metacarpal fractures treated with bioabsorbable plates was done. All patients were followed for more than 5 years post-surgery. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using Q-DASH scores and the grip strength (GS): opposite side ratio. The resorption status of implants was assessed on plain computed tomography (CT) scans at final follow-up appointments.

Results

The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 29.5 years (16–54), and the median follow-up period was 81.8 months (68–101). All fractures united without displacement after an average of 3.5 months, and there were no implant specific complications associated with the use of absorbable plates. The mean grip strength ratio was 85.1% (56.8–104.5). The mean Q-DASH scores of 11.36 points (0–34.09) was good in all but two patients. We also observed that it took more than 8 years for the plates to be absorbed completely.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the process of bioabsorption in metacarpal fractures might be completed in about 8 years, and the absorption speeds were different inside and outside of the bone. The bioabsorbable plates are more cost-effective than metallic implants. The potential for bioabsorbable plates to be used in various clinical procedures is promising.

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Title: Long-term outcomes of metacarpal fractures surgically treated using bioabsorbable plates: a retrospective study
Authors: Kenji Kosugi
Yukichi Zenke
Takafumi Tajima
Yoshiaki Yamanaka
Kunitaka Menuki
Akinori Sakai
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Metacarpal Fracture
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03841-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Long-term outcomes of metacarpal fractures surgically treated using bioabsorbable plates: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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