Absorbable polyglycolide pins in internal fixation of fractures in children.

Absorbable implants made of synthetic biodegradable polymers were recently introduced clinically in internal fixation of fractures. In this prospective study of 71 pediatric patients with a variety of displaced physeal or nonphyseal fractures, self-reinforced polyglycolide pins 1.5 or 2.0 mm in diameter were used instead of Kirschner wires to fix the fragments. The majority of patients (45 children) had a fracture affecting the distal humerus. Mean age of the patients was 9.8 years (range 2-15 years). Follow-up averaged 15.8 months. In 62 patients (87%), an exact reduction of the fracture could be maintained until union