Mechanical testing of bioresorbable implants for use in metacarpal fracture fixation

J Hand Surg Am. 2001 Jul;26(4):755-61. doi: 10.1053/jhsu.2001.24145.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of a bioresorbable 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 implants over a 12-week period of in vitro degradation. Our data suggest that these implants provide stable bending strength and stiffness for 8 weeks and gradually lose their strength over a period of 12 weeks. Further research is necessary to determine whether this level of fixation is adequate to stabilize unstable metacarpal fractures.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Plates
  • Bone Screws
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Internal Fixators*
  • Lactic Acid*
  • Materials Testing*
  • Metacarpus / injuries*
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Titanium

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)
  • Titanium