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Foreign body gonitis caused by a broken poly-L-lactic acid screw
T Takizawa1, S Akizuki, H Horiuchi
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation of Nagano Matsushiro General Hospital, Japan.
Summary
Poly-L-lactic acid screws are biodegradable but can break, causing inflammation in knee joint fractures. Surgeons should carefully consider using these PLLA screws for intra-articular fracture fixation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Polymer degradation
Background:
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable polymer widely used in medical implants.
- PLLA is generally considered safe, with gradual degradation and minimal tissue reaction.
- It is often used for internal fixation of bone fractures.
Observation:
- A case of foreign body gonitis (knee joint inflammation) occurred in a patient.
- The inflammation was caused by a broken Poly-L-lactic acid screw.
- The screw was used to fix an intercondylar prominence fracture.
Findings:
- Screw breakage of Poly-L-lactic acid implants can occur.
- Broken PLLA material can elicit a foreign body reaction within a joint.
- This reaction can lead to significant joint inflammation and complications.
Implications:
- Careful consideration is needed when using Poly-L-lactic acid screws for intra-articular fracture fixation.
- Potential for material failure and subsequent inflammatory responses must be evaluated.
- Alternative fixation methods or materials may be warranted for certain intra-articular fractures.