Abstract
ABSTRACTIntroduction: Metal stabilizing implants used in pediatric fractures have to be removed to not inhibit the growth of bones. Bioabsorbable implants can save children from surgical removal of the fixating material. As there have been only a few reports regarding children, we decided to evaluate the clinical advantages of bioabsorbable screws in the treatment of selected bone fractures in pediatric traumatology.Materials and methods: The study group included 35 patients with bone fractures aged 5–17 years (mean 13.2 years) fixed with LactoSorb® bioabsorbable screws made of polymeric lactic acid and polyglycolic acid. The follow-up was compared with a matched control group of 35 children that underwent operative fixation of the same type of fractures with metal screws. Results: Clinical and radiological follow-up showed that bone unions were obtained in all cases, with no signs of osteolysis. The time of immobilization was slightly shorter in the study group (5.5 weeks) than among controls (6.2 weeks; p = 0.038). There were no differences in complications, wound infections, pain management and time of hospitalization between both groups.Conclusions: The use of bioabsorbable material in the treatment of fractures in pediatric traumatology is a safe alternative to metal stabilizing devices, with clinical benefits for young patients including no necessity of a second surgery and anesthesia.
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