A recent publication by Kim, W., Oh, M.J., Park, M.S. et al. (2024) compares the surgical outcomes between bioabsorbable and metal screw fixation for distal tibial physeal fracture in children and adolescent patients. The Inion FreedomScrews™ were the only bioabsorbable screws used in the study. The findings showed that the bioabsorbable screws provided outcomes equivalent to metal screws, with the added benefit of eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove the screws.
Comparison of surgical outcomes between bioabsorbable and metal screw fixation for distal tibial physeal fracture in children and adolescent
Kim, W., Oh, M.J., Park, M.S. et al. (2024)
International Orthopaedics (SICOT)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-024-06284-4
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between bioabsorbable and metal screw fixation for distal tibial physeal fracture in children and adolescents, radiographically and clinically.
Methods: This study included consecutive 67 children and adolescents who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using metal or bioabsorbable screws for the distal tibia physeal fracture. All patients underwent preoperative radiographs, three-dimensional computed tomography scans, and postoperative follow-up teleradiogram. Patients were divided into metal (N = 40) and bioabsorbable groups (N = 27). We compared the surgical outcomes between the two groups in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes, length of hospital stays, and medical cost.
Results: Follow-up duration were significantly longer in the metal group than that in the bioabsorbable group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of growth arrest after surgery and the scores of the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire between the two groups. However, the total hospital stay was significantly longer in the metal group (5.2 ± 4.8 days) compared to the bioabsorbable group (2.6 ± 0.5 days). Medical costs were significantly higher in the bioabsorbable group than in the metal group with a difference of 397 US dollars.
Conclusions: The use of bioabsorbable screws exhibited therapeutic effects equivalent to that of metal screws for pediatric distal tibia physeal fractures regarding clinical and radiological outcomes. Moreover, it had the advantage of avoiding the need for repeated general anesthesia and secondary operation for implant removal. Therefore, the use of bioabsorbable screws may be a favourable surgical option for treating pediatric fractures.
Clinical evidence
Since 2001, Inion® implants have been used in over 300,000 surgical procedures. Several scientific publications demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the Inion® implants. We have collected evidence-based pre-clinical and clinical references, in vitro and biomechanical studies as well as literature reviews mentioning the application of Inion® products in published peer-reviewed journals on our Clinical evidence page. These references provide healthcare professionals with valuable insights to enhance their understanding of the clinical outcomes associated with Inion® products
