Critical concepts of absorbable internal fixation

Absorbable internal fixation implants, by virtue of their temporary in situ residence and variable load sharing with the healing tissues, have the pot ential to yield a clinical outcome that approaches the native state. Despit e the growing availability and acceptance of absorbable fixation, however, many surgeons continue to rely on metal fixation for their patients, becaus e, in part, of unfamiliarity with the technology. Although many of the prin ciples of metallic internal fixation also apply to absorbable internal fixa tion, significant differences exist as well. This article presents basic ba ckground in absorbable technology and proposes a set of principles that may help govern the development and use of absorbable fixation devices in clin ical practice.