Biodegradable self-reinforced polyglycolide screws and rods in the fixation of displaced malleolar fractures in the elderly. A comparison with metallic implants.

Biodegradable self-reinforced polyglycolide screws and rods were constructed for internal fixation of fractures in cancellous bone. The self-reinforced texture was achieved by embedding polyglycolide fibres in a polyglycolide matrix. In a prospective clinical study, a total of 37 patients at least 65 years of age with displaced malleolar fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation using either biodegradable screws and rods or metallic implants in a randomly allocated series. The results were assessed approximately one year after the fracture. One wound infection occurred after metallic fixation. Reoperation because of displacement of the fracture was needed in one patient after biodegradable fixation. The functional results were satisfactory in most patients. There were no major difference in the end results between both operative methods used.