The bioresorbable syndesmotic screw: application of polymer technology in ankle fractures

A bioresorbable syndesmotic screw was used successfully for fixation in 4 patients, 3 with a bimalleolar Weber type-C ankle fracture and 1 with a Maisonneuve-type injury. The 5-mm screw consisted of a polyglycolic acid/polylactic acid copolymer placed in standard fashion at the time of open reduction and internal fixation. The patients healed without difficulty, and follow-up radiographs showed anatomic maintenance of the syndesmotic space. There were no resorption problems. Signs of minimal irritation were noted at the screw-head site in 2 patients at 3 to 4 months after surgery, but the irritation did not hamper activity or rehabilitation. The screws maintained alignment. Preliminary results suggest that a larger study to further evaluate the effect of this screw is appropriate.