Biomechanical evaluation of a bioresorbable PLA dowel for arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder.

Abstract

Metallic implants in the reconstructive surgery of the shoulder joint can lead to certain complications. Therefore, a small bioresorbable dowel made of PLA has been developed for arthroscopic refixation of the glenoid labrum. Biomechanical tests employing in vitro degradation should confirm the implant's viability before starting the clinical application. Pull-out experiments of sutures fixed with these dowels were performed. The bioresorbable implant fulfilled the mechanical expectation in its time-dependent stability under realistic conditions by far. A reliable fixation of sutures by the implant in clinical situations can be widely guaranteed with these experimental results.