Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants

ISSN for PRINT: 1050-6934

For Online Access

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2002, Volume12

Issue 1

74 pages

Issue price - $175.00

Nina H. Voutilainen, M.D.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Topeliuksenkatu 5, FIN-00260 Helsinki, Finland

Michael W. Hess, Ph.D.
Electron Microscopy Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland

Terttu S. Toivonen, M.D.
Department of Pathology, Maria Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Leena A. Krogerus, M.D.
Department of Pathology, Maria Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Esa K. Partio, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Topeliuksenkatu 5, FIN-00260 Helsinki, Finland

Hannu V. J. Patiala, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Topeliuksenkatu 5, FIN-00260 Helsinki, Finland

Sixteen patients with dislocated ankle fractures fixed between 1988 and 1991 with self-reinforced poly(L-lactide; SR-PLLA) screws and/or rods were followed up after 8.6 to 11.7 years (mean 9.6 years) at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital. In all patients accurate reduction of the fractures was retained and uneventful bony union was achieved. Good or excellent long-term functional results were observed in 15 out of 16 patients. One patient had post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In 5 patients, a late tissue reaction was observed over an extruding screw head with mild symptoms, which led to removal of small palpable masses. There were two superficial wound infections, one after a primary operation and one caused by a late tissue reaction after an operation. The correct operative technique, where all extruding extraosseous SR-PLLA material should be removed during the primary operation, should be followed.

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