TOTALLY ABSORBABLE FIXATION IN THE TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL FEMORAL EPIPHYSES - A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL-STUDY

Nine adolescent patients with a femoral fracture involving the physeal plate were treated by using self-reinforced absorbable polyglycolide (SR-PGA) and poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) screws with a follow-up for an a verage of 2 years and 2 months. During the follow-up all but one of th e femurs became skeletally mature. In two of nine patients a clinicall y significant growth disturbance occurred. The average length differen ce of the femurs was -5 mm (ranging from +8 mm - -41 mm). One valgus d eformity was noted. In four patients a lengthening and in four patient s a shortening of the operated femur were registered at the end of fol low-up. Open reduction and fixation with absorbable screws seem to be suitable for the fixation of distal femoral fractures in adolescents.