Fixation of a bone fracture with a bioabsorbable plate made of poly-L-lactide and hydroxyapatite has received attention. We adopted this technique for a rib fracture by bending the plate into a U-shape and fixing it with suture through the holes in the mesh of the plate and holes that are drilled in the edge of the fractured rib. The suture is also wound around the plate.
BillèAOkirorLCampbellASimonsJRoutledgeT. Evaluation of long-term results and quality of life in patients who underwent rib fixation with titanium devices after trauma. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg2013; 61: 345–359.
2.
LandesCBallonAGhanaatiSTranASaderR. Treatment of malar and midfacial fractures with osteoconductive forged unsintered hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactide composite internal fixation devices. J Oral Maxillofac Surg2014; 72: 1328–1338.
3.
ShikinamiYOkunoM. Bioresorbable devices made of forged composites of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles and poly L-lactide (PLLA). Part II: practical properties of miniscrews and miniplates. Biomaterials2001; 22: 3197–3211.
4.
ItoTKudoMYozuR. Usefulness of osteosynthesis device made of hydroxyapatite-poly-L-lactide composites in port-access cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg2008; 86: 1905–1908.
5.
SakaiAOshigeTZenkeYMenukiKMuraiTNakamuraT. Mechanical comparison of novel bioabsorbable plates with titanium plates and small-series clinical comparisons for metacarpal fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am2012; 94: 1597–1604.
