Use of resorbable magnesium screws in children: systematic review of the literature and short-term follow-up from our series

Rehm, Andreas; Granger, Luke; Ashby, Eric

doi:10.1177/18632521221080026

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…3 Thus, even if some author still debate on the usefulness of resorbable implants, this setting appear to be one of the clearest to demonstrate that research on biodegradable fixation can improve patients' outcomes. 4,5 Su and Nan 6 have recently published on the use of biodegradable polymer-based pins for ME fractures in children, reporting comparable outcomes as compared to K-wires. Despite being resorbable, although, biodegradable polymers are not osteoconductive and their resorption is associated with persistent osteolysis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Resorbable magnesium screws for fixation of medial epicondyle avulsion fractures in skeletally immature patients: A comparison with Kirschner wires

Baldini

Coppa

Falcioni

et al. 2022

Journal of Children's Orthopaedics

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Background: Displaced medial epicondyle fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires or screws. Rates of implant prominence, failure, or non-union reported are considerable. Magnesium screws have demonstrated biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and high pull-out strength. The aim of this study was to compare surgical fixation of medial epicondyle fracture using resorbable magnesium Herbert screws to K-wires, in skeletally immature patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed from January 2015 to April 2020. Inclusion criteria were as follows displaced medial epicondyle fracture, <15 years, and absence of concomitant ipsilateral upper limb fractures. Two consecutive cohorts based on fixation device were made: Group A (wires) and Group B (magnesium screws). Alignment, pain, range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and radiological healing were assessed. Results: A total of 27 patients were included: 15 in Group A and 12 in Group B. Groups were comparable for age and sex. Mean follow-up was higher in Group A (38.73 ± 3.15 vs 26.18 ± 4.85 months; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding range of motion, alignment, pain, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, with excellent results in both groups. Two patients in Group A developed a deep wound pin site infection requiring antibiotics. X-rays revealed three cases of non-union in Group A and one in Group B, all of them asymptomatic. No patient required a second surgical procedure. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of medial epicondyle fractures with magnesium screws showed comparable results to a widely accepted procedure such as the use of K-wires, potentially with a lower incidence of non-union and infection. No adverse reactions were recorded. Level of evidence: level III.

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