Abstract
A bioresorbable syndesmotic screw was used successfully for fixation in 4 patients, 3 with a bimalleolar Weber type-C ankle fracture and 1 with a Maisonneuve-type injury. The 5-mm screw consisted of a polyglycolic acid/polylactic acid copolymer placed in standard fashion at the time of open reduction and internal fixation. The patients healed without difficulty, and follow-up radiographs showed anatomic maintenance of the syndesmotic space. There were no resorption problems. Signs of minimal irritation were noted at the screw-head site in 2 patients at 3 to 4 months after surgery, but the irritation did not hamper activity or rehabilitation. The screws maintained alignment. Preliminary results suggest that a larger study to further evaluate the effect of this screw is appropriate.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 18-21 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.) |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 1 Suppl |
| State | Published - Jan 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)