The Use of Bioresorbable Implants in Orthopaedics

Abstract

Internal fixation of fractures has become the treatment of choice in many instances. With internal fixation, fragments of the broken bone are surgically exposed through an incision and adapted to each other manually. Following this, the fracture fragments are attached to each other with metallic implants. The purpose of this approach is to achieve a rigid fixation, making long periods of external fixation obsolete while the patient is encouraged to actively use the injured extremity decreasing morbidity caused by the fracture. This also decreases the cost of a fracture to the society by returning the patient to the activities of daily living as soon as possible. The disadvantage of this approach is that in most instances removal of these implants requires a second operative procedure, anaesthetic application, surgical incision that also increases the cost to the society.