Abstract
Background: To assess the usefulness in rib reconstruction of biodegradable connecting pins made
of polylactide (PLA), PLA rib pins were compared with conventional non-absorbent aluminous
ceramic rib pins (alumina rib pins) in terms of their ability for fixing and healing
of cut ribs in thoracic surgery. Methods: There were 13 cases of rib fixation after thoracotomy using PLA rib pins and 11 cases
using alumina rib pins, all of which were inserted into the medulla of the stump of
the ribs that had been cut at thoracotomy to secure a larger surgical field. The observation
period was 6 months after the operation. Results: The degree of vertical shift of the ribs connected with PLA rib pins was significantly
reduced compared with the degree using alumina rib pins. In chest radiographs clear
zones around the pins, indicating a delay in bone neogenesis, were observed frequently
around the alumina rib pins but were absent around the PLA rib pins. Osteosynthesis
using PLA rib pins was significantly more favorable than with alumina rib pins. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the PLA rib pin was superior to the alumina rib pin
for fixing and healing of the cut rib.
Key words
Rib fracture - Rib pin - Polylactide - Alumina ceramics
