Biodegradable fixation of physeal fractures in goat distal femur.

Donigian, A M; Plaga, B R; Caskey, P M · J Pediatr Orthop · 1993

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

We compared the effectiveness of absorbable polylactic acid (PLA) screws and polydioxanone (PDS) pins with that of ASIF cannulated screws in stabilizing Salter-Harris IV fractures in goat distal femur. Eighteen juvenile goats were randomly divided into control (cannulated screw), PLA screw, and PDS pin groups. A Salter-Harris IV medial femoral condyle fracture was created and stabilized, and the goats were sacrificed 8 weeks postoperatively. Articular cartilage displacement < 1 mm was considered anatomic. All PLA screws were anatomic as compared with 83% (five of six) of the controls and 17% (one of six) of the pins. Absorbable PLA screws stabilized Salter-Harris IV fractures as well as cannulated screws and better than PDS pins.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy