Internal fixation with biodegradable rods in pediatric fractures: one-year follow-up of fifty patients.

Abstract

Fifty children with transphyseal or osteochondral fractures were treated with biodegradable osteosynthesis material and followed for at least 1 year. All 50 fractures healed, and there were no major complications; 11 of them were fractures of the radial humeral condyle. In a prospective randomized study, they were compared with metal pin fixation of the same fracture (eight cases). No major differences were noted. After the study was completed, we observed two cases of nonunion of intraarticular fractures of the radial head, probably related to foreign body reaction to the resorbable implant material. Biodegradable osteosynthesis material is advantageous in treatment of children's fractures because it makes a removal operation unnecessary. It is ideal in cases of osteochondral fractures. Further experience with this material is necessary, however, before it can be safely recommended.