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Bioabsorbable implants in orthopaedics: new developments and clinical applications
W J Ciccone1, C Motz, C Bentley
1San Diego Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, #200, 6719 Alvarado Road, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
|September 29, 2001
Summary
Bioabsorbable implants are increasingly used in orthopaedic surgery for fracture and soft-tissue fixation. While offering benefits like gradual load transfer, potential complications require further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Bioabsorbable implants are increasingly utilized in orthopaedic procedures.
- Advances in polymer science enable implants with adequate mechanical strength.
- These implants are used for both fracture and soft-tissue fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications and outcomes of bioabsorbable implants in orthopaedics.
- To highlight the advantages and disadvantages of using these materials.
- To identify areas for future research regarding optimal clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bioabsorbable implant applications in orthopaedics.
- Analysis of mechanical properties and clinical performance.
- Summary of reported complications and benefits.
Main Results:
- Bioabsorbable implants provide gradual load transfer to healing tissues.
- They reduce the need for hardware removal and offer radiolucency for imaging.
- Complications include sterile sinus tract formation, osteolysis, synovitis, and fibrous encapsulation.
Conclusions:
- Bioabsorbable implants offer distinct advantages in orthopaedic surgery.
- Potential complications necessitate careful patient selection and monitoring.
- Further research is needed to define specific clinical scenarios where these implants provide maximal benefit.