© 2001 the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Bioabsorbable Implants in Orthopaedics: New Developments and Clinical ApplicationsDr. Ciccone is in private practice in Colorado Springs, Colo. Dr. Motz is in private practice in San Diego, Calif. Dr. Bentley is in private practice in San Diego. Dr. Tasto is Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopaedics, University of California, San Diego. Reprint requests: Dr. Tasto, San Diego Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, #200, 6719 Alvarado Road, San Diego, CA 92120.
The use of bioabsorbable implants in orthopaedic surgical procedures is becoming more frequent. Advances in polymer science have allowed the production of implants with the mechanical strength necessary for such procedures. Bioabsorbable materials have been utilized for the fixation of fractures as well as for soft-tissue fixation. These implants offer the advantages of gradual load transfer to the healing tissue, reduced need for hardware removal, and radiolucency, which facilitates postoperative radiographic evaluation. Reported complications with the use of these materials include sterile sinus tract formation, osteolysis, synovitis, and hypertrophic fibrous encapsulation. Further study is required to determine the clinical situations in which these materials are of most benefit. This article has been cited by other articles:
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