Absorbable polyglycolide pins in internal fixation of fractures in children

Absorbable implants made of synthetic biodegradable polymers were recently introduced clinically in internal fixation of fractures. In this prospective study of 71 pediatric patients with a variety of displaced physeal or nonphyseal fractures, self-reinforced polyglycolide pins 1.5 or 2.0 mm in diameter were used instead of Kirschner wires to fix the fragments. The majority of patients (45 children) had a fracture affecting the distal humerus. Mean age of the patients was 9.8 years (range 2-15 years). Follow-up averaged 15.8 months. In 62 patients (87%), an exact reduction of the fracture could be maintained until union. Among the remaining patients, six had minor inaccuracies or redisplacements of the fracture position, but in three patients with supracondylar fractures of the humerus breakage of the pins resulted in a severe redisplacement that necessitated a change in treatment method. With the exception of supracondylar fractures of the humerus, these preliminary results of polyglycolide pin fixation were deemed satisfactory. The fundamental advantage of this method is that no hardware removal procedures are required.