Clinical limitations of the biodegradable implants used in arthroscopy

Abstract

Arthroscopy is considered a revolution in joint surgery, and it had an explosive development during the last years. Biodegradable implants were developed in the effort to avoid the complications related to classic metallic implants used during intra-articular procedures. Limitations and complications related to these implants are documented. Most frequently performed arthroscopic procedures are in the knee joint: meniscus suture, meniscal replacement and transplantation, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, cartilage repair, etc. Every one of these procedures had gone thru a long improvement process of the surgical technique and of the implants used during each of them. That is why we talk today about several generations of biodegradable implants in this area. Selecting the best devices and having in mind all complications related to their use, we may find a way to improve our clinical practice and to develop better implants. The shoulder is the second joint where the arthroscopy is most used. Shoulder instabilities and rotator cuff pathology are addressed arthroscopically, and that is why for these two procedures a lot of biodegradable implants were developed and used during the last 20 years. Reviewing their history and long-term results is helpful in making the best choice during surgery and continues the improvements in developing the implants.