Pediatric Diaphyseal Forearm Fracture Management with Biodegradable Poly-L-Lactide-Co-Glycolide (PLGA) Intramedullary Implants: A Longitudinal Study

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202406.0368.v1
• Publication Date: 2024-06-06T12:35:01Z
• Authors: Aba Lőrincz; Ágnes Mária Lengyel; András Kedves; Hermann Nudelman; Gergő Józsa
• Keywords: PLGA

Background: Pediatric forearm fractures represent a substantial proportion of childhood injuries, requiring effective and minimally invasive treatments. Our study investigated the mid-term outcomes biodegradable poly-L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) intramedullary implants in managing diaphyseal children. Methods: A follow-up cohort was conducted with 38 patients treated PLGA implants. Control examinations were performed one year post-operation, assessing bone healing through radiographic evaluations functional using injured uninjured limb range motion (ROM) comparisons. Scarring evaluated employing Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), satisfaction via questionnaire. Results: Children predominantly female (76.4%), mean age 9.71 (SD: 2.69) years. Effective fracture stabilization found all patients, minor reduction (mean difference -1.5°, p = 0.282) elbow flexion on operated side (139.3°) compared to intact (140.8°). Elbow extension presented negligible average changes (0.2°, p= 0.098). Forearm movements slightly reduced pronation: 80.8° vs. 83.7°, 0.166; supination: 83.5° 85.7°, 0.141). Wrist palmar dorsiflexion showed no significant differences. VSS ratings indicated minimal scarring guardian doctor scores 1.13 0.55, respectively, 0.020), reported treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Biodegradable are for pediatric fractures, providing stable while preserving ROM high patient satisfaction. proved be viable alternative traditional metal implants, eliminating secondary removal surgeries.