[Biodegradable implants in fracture fixation: state of the art]

Operative fracture repair in trauma surgery is currently performed using metal implants. These metal implants often are removed during a second, retrieval operation. Biodegradable fracture fixation devices have been used clinically since the late seventies. Most bioresorbable implants are manufactured from polymers. The polylactides, polyglycolides and co-polymers slowly degrade into small components that are excreted from the human body via natural pathways and removal operations after fracture surgery are not necessary. Due to the limited mechanical properties, the polymer screws and pins are mostly used in the treatment of non weight-baring simple fractures of the ankle, elbow, hand and foot. In view of the progressing technical developments, new materials will be developed and tested for clinical use in the coming decades.