[Osteosynthesis of fractures in children, using absorbable rods.]

During the period between September 1991 and January 1993 at the Clinic of Paediatric Surgery in Prague Krc a total of 12 children were operated where in the majority on account of an epiphyseal fracture or injury of the growth plate osteosynthesis with an absorbable rod was used. In three cases a fracture of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia was involved, in two separation of the proximal epiphysis of the radius and in two children fracture of a toe digit. Moreover, osteosynthesis was performed in a fracture of the olecranon of the ulna, on epiphyseal fracture of the metatarsal bone, metacarpal bone, distal epiphysis of the humerus and osteochondral fracture of the femoral condyle (one case of each). For osteosynthesis rods with a diameter of 1.3 and 1.5 mm resp. were used made from polydixanone or polyglycolid acid (PGA). Osteosynthesis failed only in one case in a fracture of the ulnar olecranon which was the first operation in our group and was not performed quite correctly from the technical aspect. Distraction of a fragment occurred, the patient has an extension of the elbow restricted by 10 . Despite the excellent X-ray results one of the patients with epiphyseal separation of the head of the radius has a slight restriction of rotation of the forearm. Absorbable rods may in some selected fractures in children replace very well osteosynthesis with metallic materials. Second operation is eliminated and frequently also hospitalization needed for removal of the metallic material. The cost of the absorbable material does not exceed the cost of the second operation and hospitalization, regardless of the moral aspect of exposing the child to repeated operation. Key words: fracture, physis, osteosynthesis, biologicaly absorbable material.