BIODEGRADABLE FIXATION OF ANKLE FRACTURES - A ROENTGEN STEREOPHOTOGRAMMETRIC STUDY OF 32 CASES

We performed a prospective randomized study comparing fixation with bi odegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) rods (n 15) or screws (n 17) in 32 selected displaced supination-eversion fractures. Immediate postopera tive weight bearing in a walking cast was encouraged. An exact reconst ruction of the ankle mortise was achieved in 26/32 ankles. Roentgen st ereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) revealed rather small movements in the ankle mortise during fracture healing. A better stability was achi eved by using screws. After 6 months the clinical results did not diff er. One case of sinus formation and one with local effusion occurred; both healed without impairing the clinical result. To compare the resu lts with a nondegradable osteosynthesis technique, a reference group o f supination-eversion fractures previously operated on with cerclage-w ires, staples and pins was used. RSA showed better fracture stability with nondegradable fixation. The clinical results, however, did not di ffer.