Mechanical Comparison of Novel Bioabsorbable Plates with Titanium Plates and Small-Series Clinical Comparisons for Metacarpal Fractures

Abstract

The bending strength, stiffness, and torsional strength of novel one-third or semi-tubular bioabsorbable plates, when fixed on a PEEK rod, were comparable with those for titanium plates for 1.5 or 2.0-mm screws. There were no significant differences in clinical results between these two types of plates in a small group of patients after short-term follow-up.

Metacarpal Fractures: Treatment and Complications

“…Another consecutive series of bioabsorbable plates compared to titanium plates for metacarpal fractures found no significant difference between groups in total active motion or grip strength [39]. All fractures united and there were no reported complications with a minimum of 6-month follow-up [39]. Prospective, randomized controlled trials of absorbable plates are lacking, however, and delayed foreign body reactions have been described up to 2 years after fracture fixation [17].…”

Fixation of Metacarpal Shaft Fractures: Biomechanical Comparison of Intramedullary Nail Crossed K‐Wires and Plate‐Screw Constructs

“…Many MC fractures can be treated non-operatively; however, some are treated most effectively by surgical stabilization 2,3 , for which there are multiple methods that have been compared by many published studies [2][3][4][5][6][7] . They include various plate-and-screw constructs (plate) [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] , screws alone 15 , percutaneous, intermetacarpal wires 5 , crossed K-wires (XK-wires) 7,16 , intramedullary K-wires 7,16,17 , the "bouquet" technique 4,18,19 , and proximally-locked intramedullary metacarpal nails (IMNs) [20][21][22] . Relatively few studies have evaluated intramedullary nails, which have been designed to provide a minimally-invasive, proximally-locked option for stabilization of MC fractures.…”

New technique for fixing rib fracture with bioabsorbable plate

“…More extensive fracture coverage with a bioabsorbable plate increases the strength against flexing and twisting. 5 Our new technique of fixing a rib fracture with a U-shaped bioabsorbable plate enabled stronger fixation easily.…”

“…Therefore, a bioabsorbable plate is ideal for fixing fractured bone because of its durability early after the injury and long-term absorption. [2][3][4][5] Despite potential post-fixation infection, swelling, and pain, it was considered safe with no serious complications in a study of >200 cases. 3 In addition, SuperFIXSORB MX40, which is 1 mm thick and thermoplastic, is easily cut with scissors and bent after placing in hot water.…”