We retrospectively studied nine children and adolescents with congenital malformations, large reconstruction after tumor excision,
fractures and osteotomies of the upper extremity, and hand trauma with bone and soft tissue defects treated by internal synthesis
using a biocopolymer of L- and DL-stereoisomers of lactic acid polymers and trimethylenecarbonate. A total of 52 biodegradable
implants were placed in bone. At a minimum followup of 7 months (mean, 17 months; range, 7–22 months), wound healing was uncomplicated;
local or systemic inflammatory tissue reactions, foreign body reactions, and infections were not observed. Bone healing was
complete. Six biodegradable screws broke during insertion because of inadequate drilling and tapping, and three biodegradable
screws had to be replaced because of damage to the screw head during assembly with the screwdriver. Biodegradable copolymers
of poly-L-lactic-poly-DL-lactic acid and trimethylenecarbonate can be used safely and effectively for reconstruction and fixation
of bone in children and adolescents.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest,
patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study
was obtained.