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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

Published in:

01-06-2009 | Original Article

Early Experience with Biodegradable Implants in Pediatric Patients

Authors: Andreas F. Mavrogenis, MD, Anastasios D. Kanellopoulos, MD, George N. Nomikos, MD, Panayiotis J. Papagelopoulos, MD, DSc, Panayotis N. Soucacos, MD, FACS

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 6/2009

Abstract

We retrospectively studied nine children and adolescents with congenital malformations, large reconstruction after tumor excision, fractures and osteotomies of the upper extremity, and hand trauma with bone and soft tissue defects treated by internal synthesis using a biocopolymer of L- and DL-stereoisomers of lactic acid polymers and trimethylenecarbonate. A total of 52 biodegradable implants were placed in bone. At a minimum followup of 7 months (mean, 17 months; range, 7–22 months), wound healing was uncomplicated; local or systemic inflammatory tissue reactions, foreign body reactions, and infections were not observed. Bone healing was complete. Six biodegradable screws broke during insertion because of inadequate drilling and tapping, and three biodegradable screws had to be replaced because of damage to the screw head during assembly with the screwdriver. Biodegradable copolymers of poly-L-lactic-poly-DL-lactic acid and trimethylenecarbonate can be used safely and effectively for reconstruction and fixation of bone in children and adolescents.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Title: Early Experience with Biodegradable Implants in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Andreas F. Mavrogenis, MD
Anastasios D. Kanellopoulos, MD
George N. Nomikos, MD
Panayiotis J. Papagelopoulos, MD, DSc
Panayotis N. Soucacos, MD, FACS
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 6/2009
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0537-4

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