Alternative Materials for Fracture Fixation

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Abstract
Biodegradable polymers are gaining acceptance as alternative materials to metallic devices in fracture fixation applications. Self-reinforced polyglycolide and polylactide fixation devices have been used effectively in managing several thousand clinical cases involving small-fragment fractures. An eight percent incidence of non-specific inflammatory reaction and insufficient mechanical strength to deal with load-bearing situations are the two issues preventing the widespread acceptance of these biodegradable fixation devices. This brief review examines the potential of other biodegradable polymers, discusses the biodegradable composite design, and considers future research directions that might realize the full potential of biodegradable polymeric prostheses.