Böstman O, Päivärinta U, Partio E, Manninen M, Majola A, Vasenius J, Rokkanen P
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Acta Orthop Scand. 1991 Dec;62(6):587-91. doi: 10.3109/17453679108994502.
In 20 rabbits, a transverse distal femoral osteotomy was fixed using a 4.5 by 30-mm absorbable screw made of polyglycolide. No postoperative external support was used. The consolidation of the osteotomy was investigated histologically, morphometrically, and microradiographically in groups of 4 to 6 rabbits that were followed for 3, 6, 12, or 36 weeks. Fourteen osteotomies showed solid bony union; and in 3, several bone trabeculae were seen to bridge a still partially ununited osteotomy. In another 3 rabbits, each with a follow-up time of 12 or 36 weeks, no convincing signs of progressing consolidation could be seen. Only 1 of these rabbits showed displacement of the distal fragment.
