Resorbable Orthopedic Implants in Pediatric Patients: A Narrative Review

The purpose of this article is to review a variety of resorbable orthopedic implants in the pediatric population. Biodegradable implants are now being widely utilized for fracture stabilization in orthopedic surgery. These materials eventually dissolve in the body, not having to perform removal operation, as is done for synthetic-based implants. The current argument in the pediatric surgical community is whether nonresorbable implants can be replaced by resorbable ones. Numbers of biodegradable polymers have been approved and safely used for fracture fixation in children. There are many potential benefits of using resorbable implants: no secondary operation for implant removal, shorter hospital stays, lessened psychological stress, and decreased risk of tissue damage have been discussed.

Keywords: Orthopedic; Surgery; Biodegradable; Bioabsorbable; Resorbable; Implants; Pediatrics

Abbreviations: PLLA: Poly-L-lactic acid, PLGA: Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLLA-co-PDLA: Poly-L-lactide-co-poly-DL-lactide, PHB: Polyhydroxybutyrate, CT: Computerized Tomography, MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, ESIN: Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing, BESIN: Bioabsorbable Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing