Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
07:41
An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice
Published on: November 13, 2016
Absorbable fixation in forefoot surgery: a viable alternative to metallic hardware
David L Nielson1, Nathan J Young, Charles M Zelen
1Foot and Ankle Associates of Southwest Virginia, 1802 Braeburn Drive, Suite M120, Salem, VA 24153, USA. david.l.nielson@gmail.com
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|July 6, 2013
Summary
Newer absorbable implants offer a reliable, cost-effective alternative to metallic hardware for bone healing after 4-8 weeks. These modern implants provide increased strength and smoother resorption, reducing inflammation and easing insertion.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Rigid internal fixation is traditionally used for bone healing.
- Absorbable implants present a viable alternative to metallic hardware.
Observation:
- A case study details a bunionectomy with double osteotomy in a 40-year-old patient.
- Fixation was achieved using polyglycolic acid and poly-l-lactic acid copolymer screws.
Findings:
- Modern absorbable implants offer improved strength and resorption profiles (18-24 months).
- These implants reduce the risk of local inflammation compared to traditional hardware.
- Advancements in device design are simplifying the insertion of bioresorbable screws.
Implications:
- Absorbable implants are becoming increasingly reliable and cost-effective for orthopedic applications.
- This case highlights the successful use of newer generation bioresorbable screws in a clinical setting.
- Further development in bioresorbable materials can enhance patient outcomes and surgical efficiency.
