Clinical Analysis On Treatment Of Intra-And Peri-Articular Fracture With Absorbable Implants

Objective: Intra-and peri- articular fracture should be anatomic reduction and firm fixation. In order to avoid fracture nonunion and avascular necrosis, It is important to protect the blood supply of articulation and less dissect the soft tissue attached to the articulation. Traditional method of metal implants is macro-lesion and requires second surgery to remove the metal implants. It can destroy the blood supply of articulation again and influence the function of articulation. In recent years absorbable implants as the replacement of metal implants begin being applied in clinic. The aim is to discuss the technique in treating intra-and peri-articular fracture with absorbable implants.Methods: 81 patients with intra-and peri-articular fracture treated with absorbable implants were analysed retrospectively from Aug. 2000-Jan. 2004. It includes ankle joint fracture (50 cases), the fractures of talus (12 cases), femoral head fracture (10 cases), others (9 cases). The patients were followed up and adopted the function of articulation evaluations and X-ray checks.Results: 75 cases were followed up for 3-38 months (mean 16 months). According to the criteria set by Wang Dong-liang for the ankle joint fracture, the results of treatment were evaluation as excellent in 39 patients and good in 5 patients. The excellent and good rate was 97.7%. No nonunion and no infection occurred. According to the criteria set by Liu Yan for the others, the excellent was 20 patients, the good 4.The excellent and good rate was 96%. There was a femoral head fracture accompanied with hip dislocation which had hip pain in postoperation.Conclusion: Treatment of intra-and peri-articular fracture with absorbable implants is an effective method .If the patients chosen rationally and postoperative management being proper, the method not only can get excellent clinical outcome but also micro-lesion and less complications. And it avoids second surgery to remove the implants, so it can depress the patients' psychological and economic burden.