Biodegradable implants for fracture fixation, state of the art

Operative fracture repair in traumasurgery is currently performed using met al implants. These metal implants often are removed during a second, retrie val operation. Biodegradable fracture fixation devices have been used clini cally since the late seventies. Most bioresorbable implants are manufacture d from polymers. The polylactides, polyglycolides and co-polymers slowly de grade into small components that are excreted from the human body via natur al pathways and removal operations after fracture surgery are not necessary . Due to the limited mechanical properties, the polymere screws and pins ar e mostly used in the treatment of non weightbaring simple fractures of the ankle, elbow, hand and foot. In view of the progressing technical developme nts, new materials will be developped and tested for clinical use in the co ming decades.