BIOABSORBABLE POLYMERS - MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY AND SURGICAL APPLICATIONS

Biostable and bioabsorbable biomaterials are used to manufacture impla nts for supporting, replacement, augmentation and guiding of growth of tissues. Bioabsorbable implants are a better choice for applications where only the temporary presence of the implant is needed. Because of bioabsorption of such implants, there is no need for a removal operat ion after healing of the tissue and the risks of implant related, long -term complications are eliminated or strongly reduced. Reinforcing of bioabsorbable materials is necessary in order to develop strong and s afe, small implants for fixation of bone fractures and connective tiss ue damage. Self-reinforced bioabsorbable polymeric implants have been used so far extensively in the treatment of traumas of the musculoskel etal system.