Fixation of osteotomies of the distal femur with absorbable, self-reinforced, poly-L-lactide plates. An experimental study on rabbits

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1997;116(6-7):352-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00433989.

Abstract

Osteotomies of the distal femur were fixed with two self-reinforced poly-L-lactic acid (SR-PLLA) plates and metallic screws placed through the plates on each side of the femur in 23 adult rabbits. They were followed-up after 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks. After killing, radiological, histological, microradiographic and oxytetracycline fluorescence studies were performed. Except for one histologically confirmed fibrotic non-union at 24 weeks, the osteotomies healed, including one involving a rabbit which had suffered an ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture of unknown cause. No malformations were observed, and the macroscopically detected swelling was a normal postoperative reaction. This study showed that SR-PLLA plates implanted on both sides on the bone are suitable for the fixation of weight-bearing cancellous bone osteotomies in rabbits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Animals
  • Bone Plates*
  • Bone Screws
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / pathology
  • Femur / surgery*
  • Microradiography
  • Osteogenesis
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Polyesters*
  • Rabbits
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • poly(lactide)