The advantages of bioresorbable INION® implants in traumatology design, polymer composition and preliminary results

Abstract

Some disadvantages of traditional metallic implants used in orthopedics and traumatology prompted the development of bioresorbable polymer devices.The aim of this experimental study is to emphasize the characteristics of INION® resorbable implants (regarding design and polymers compositions), as well as to evaluate the results when using these innovative implants in two trauma cases. The polymers used in manufacturing INION® devices (Trimethylene Carbonate/TMC; L-Polylactic acid/LPLA; D,L Polylactic acid/ DLPLA; Polyglycolic acid/PGA) degrade in alpha-hydroxy acids, gradually losing their hardness in 18-36 weeks with a complete bioresorption of 2-4 years. The clinical cases demonstrated the advantages of INION® plates (adapted shape, low profile, polyaxial screws, acceptable strength) or pins (allowing the aligmment and fixation of fracture, no migration). Among our patients, we found excellent results concerning the maintaining of primary reduced fracture, active range of motion, minimal pain with improving everyday comfort, no tissue or implant complications. Bioresorbable fracture fixation INION® devices are a viable alternative to traditional metallic implants, offering same significant advantages over them: the avoidance of long-term interference with gliding structures, keeping their strength long enough to support bone healing, no need to remove the implants, less pain, radiolucency, elimination of stress shielding and a lower risk of complications.