Long-term outcomes of metacarpal fractures surgically treated using bioabsorbable plates: a retrospective study
- PDF / 852,793 Bytes
- 7 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 73 Downloads / 174 Views
(2020) 21:817
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Long-term outcomes of metacarpal fractures surgically treated using bioabsorbable plates: a retrospective study Kenji Kosugi , Yukichi Zenke* , Takafumi Tajima , Yoshiaki Yamanaka , Kunitaka Menuki
and Akinori Sakai
Abstract Background: Implants made from bioabsorbable unsintered hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactate composites (u-HA/ PLLA) are widely used in the oral, maxillofacial, and orthopedic fields. This study assess the long-term (> 5 years) outcomes of patients with metacarpal fractures who were surgically treated using bioabsorbable plates and screws (Super-Fixsorb MX40 mesh; Teijin Medical Technology, Osaka, Japan). Methods: A retrospective analysis of six patients with eight metacarpal fractures treated with bioabsorbable plates was done. All patients were followed for more than 5 years post-surgery. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using Q-DASH scores and the grip strength (GS): opposite side ratio. The resorption status of implants was assessed on plain computed tomography (CT) scans at final follow-up appointments. Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 29.5 years (16–54), and the median follow-up period was 81.8 months (68–101). All fractures united without displacement after an average of 3.5 months, and there were no implant specific complications associated with the use of absorbable plates. The mean grip strength ratio was 85.1% (56.8–104.5). The mean Q-DASH scores of 11.36 points (0–34.09) was good in all but two patients. We also observed that it took more than 8 years for the plates to be absorbed completely. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the process of bioabsorption in metacarpal fractures might be completed in about 8 years, and the absorption speeds were different inside and outside of the bone. The bioabsorbable plates are more cost-effective than metallic implants. The potential for bioabsorbable plates to be used in various clinical procedures is promising. Keywords: Bioabsorbable plates, Metacarpal fractures, Long-term outcomes, U-HA/PLLA
Background Metacarpal fractures are common, and most of them can be treated successfully without surgery [1]. However, open reduction and internal fixation is a common surgical treatment for unstable metacarpal fractures, and the use of metallic implants is considered the gold standard for operative treatment [2, 3]. However, metallic implants may interfere with * Correspondence: [email protected] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
extensor tendon gliding and induce metallosis and allergic reactions [4]. Surgical removal of the implant is frequently required to avoid complications; moreover, titanium plates and screws are often difficult to remove after extended periods [5, 6]. Unsintered hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactate composites (u-HA/PLLA) are resorbable osteosynthetic bone fixation implants with osteoconductive properties that promote replacement
Data Loading...
