Pre-clinical in vivo evaluation of orthopaedic bioabsorbable devices

The presence of bioabsorbable materials in orthopaedics has grown significa ntly over the past two decades with applications in fracture fixation, bone replacement, cartilage repair, meniscal repair, fixation of ligaments, and drug delivery. Numerous biocompatible, biodegradable polymers are now avai lable for both experimental and clinical use. Not surprisingly, there have been a wealth of studies investigating the biomechanical properties, biocom patibility, degradation characteristics, osteoconductivity, potential toxic ity, and histologic effects of various materials. Promising results have be en reported in the areas of fracture fixation, ligament repair, and drug de livery. In this article we review the pre-clinical in vivo testing of bioab sorbable devices with particular emphasis on implants used for these applic ations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.