The in-vivo biocompatibility of a novel biodegradable fracture fixation device

BackgroundBioresorbable materials offer the potential of developing fracture fixation plates with similar mechanical properties to bone thereby minimizing stress shielding and obviating the need for implant removal.AimTo determine the in vivo degradation profile of a novel phosphate glass fibre composite bioresorbable plate and effects on the underlying bone.MethodsTwenty five NZW rabbits underwent application of the plate to the intact right tibia. They were divided into 5 groups corresponding to the time points from surgery to sacrifice −2, 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Outcomes included radiographs, nanoCT imaging, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing of the plated bone and the opposite unplated tibia at each time point.ResultsAt sacrifice, plate integrity was retained up to 12 weeks with no evidence of macroscopic inflammation. The mean load to failure of the plated bones expressed as a percentage of the opposite unplated bones was 179, 174, 172 and 115% after implantation for 2, 6, 12 ...