Abstract

• PURPOSE: We report complications occurred from 6 patients among 14 patients who received the operation for their radial head and neck fractures by using the absorbable rod made by poly-glycolic acid(PGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyze the postoperative results of 14 patients who recieved fixation by absorbable rod for the radial head and neck fractures from March 1991 to March 2000. All of the fractures were are reducible and modified Mason 's type II. RESULTS: After average 15 months follow up, flexion contracture was average 20 degrees and full flexion was average 130 degrees. Complications were occurred in 6 cases. Osteolysis was occurred in 3 cases and in 2 cases among theses 3 cases, radial head excision was performed. Synovitis was occured in other 3 cases and in one case joint fluid was drainaged from operation wound for 2 weeks and in other 2 cases, synovitis was progressed to arthritis. CONCLUSION: The absorbable rod made of PGA in radial head and neck fracture have relatively high rate of adverse tissue responses. So surgeon should consider adverse tissue response of PGA. Development of more biocompatible absorbable and slow degrading material should be needed.
• Key words: Radius, Head and neck fracture, Absorbable rod, Complication

Figure & Data

REFERENCES

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by