Use of Bioabsorbable Pins in Surgical Fixation of Comminuted Periarticular Fractures

• DOI: 10.1097/bot.0b013e318247c754
• Publication Date: 2012-04-10T19:29:59Z
• Authors: Scott R. Bassuener; Brian H. Mullis; Ryan K. Harrison; Roy Sanders
• Keywords: Medical record

To determine if bioabsorbable pins can be used for stabilization of comminuted articular fragments in periarticular fractures with adequate quality fixation, while eliminating the potential complications related to use traditional implants.Multicenter retrospective review.Two Level 1 trauma centers.Institutional billing records identified all cases (83) which were implanted. All charts reviewed, and fracture (80 78 patients) included.Open reduction internal fixation highly fractures, using poly-p-dioxanone poly-l-lactic acid stabilize surface.Outcomes determined by maintenance assessed at 6 weeks 3 months; development posttraumatic arthritis radiographically clinical examination year postoperatively; rates local including infection, pin migration, pin-related soft tissue evaluated complete medical record review.No patients showed loss or months. There no migration instances delayed union nonunion. Radiographs 19% arthritic changes 12 months, 16% follow-up. Infection rate was 6%.In are an intriguing alternative methods. They afford similar effectiveness maintaining stability without evidence other concerns buried metallic implants.