[New developments in the application of resorbable implants]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2026
Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
K E Rehm1, H J Helling, C Gatzka
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universität zu Köln.
Abstract:
The application of biodegradable implants is combined with advantages and disadvantages. They offer a great deal of innovative ideas. Best evaluation has been done with pins for the fixation of low loaded osteochondral fractures. When using 2.7 mm Polypin primary mechanical stability of distal radius fractures is comparable with the fixation by 1.8 mm K-wires. A prospective and randomised study with two years follow up, including 183 radial head fractures, showed no significant difference in results and complications in metal and polyactide implants. For this localisation and other comparable indications the implant can be recommended. Despite the more extensive degradable device overall costs can be reduced with the polymer implant. Orientruded polyactide screws showed good clinical results, newetheless resorption was extremely late within 5 to 7 years.
