Mechanical testing of bioresorbable implants for use in metacarpal fracture fixation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of a bi oresorbable plate and screw system that was developed for the treatment of unstable metacarpal fractures and to compare the strength and stiffness of this system with those of conventional titanium plates and screws. Using a 4-point bending test, we measured the strength and stiffness of these impla nts over a 12-week period of in vitro degradation. Our data suggest that th ese implants provide stable bending strength and stiffness for 8 weeks and gradually lose their strength over a period of 12 weeks. Further research i s necessary to determine whether this level of fixation is adequate to stab ilize unstable metacarpal fractures. Copyright (C) 2001 by the American Soc iety for Surgery of the Hand.