Absorbable polyglycolide devices in trauma and bone surgery.

Poly(glycolic acid) or polyglycolide (PGA) is a polymer of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is produced during normal body metabolism and is known as hydroxyacetic acid. Strong implants can be manufactured from this polymer with a self-reinforcing (SR) technique and used in the treatment of fractures and osteotomies. Since 1984, SR-PGA implants have been used routinely in our hospital for internal fixation of bone fractures. These implants were studied extensively in experimental animals and proved biocompatible. In 1.7% of human cases, sinus formation may develop after the use of these implants, which does not disturb healing. Use of these absorbable implants is justified as it obviates the need for a second operation for implant removal and avoids the risks associated with biostable implants.