Self-Reinforced Absorbable Screws in the Fixation of Displaced Ankle Fractures: A Prospective Clinical Study of 152 Patients

SUMMARYThe series consisted of 152 patients with ankle fractures treated between May 1987 and August 1989 using absorbable screws of self-reinforced polyglycolide 3.4 mm in inner diameter and 25–70 mm in length. The mean follow-up time was 2 years, 5 months (range, 1 year, 7 months-3 years, 10 months). After open reduction, a channel was drilled through the fracture surfaces and the fragments were fixed with one absorbable screw or screws. A plaster cast was used postoperatively. At 1-year follow-up observation, the radiographical result was anatomical in 93.3% of 104 patients with unimalleolar and bimalleolar ankle fractures (Weber A or B) and in 80.5% of 41 severe ankle fractures. Seven patients were unavailable for follow-up observation. Two reoperations were performed because of primary or secondary failure of fixation. In all unimalleolar and bimalleolar fractures and in 95.1% of severe ankle fractures the functional recovery score was at least satisfactory. Sinus formation as a sign of tissue reaction was observed in 10 patients 2–6 months postoperatively, but this did not influence the healing of the fracture or the functional recovery. This report is the first extensive publication on the clinical use of absorbable screws.