Abstracto

Chemical characterization and degradation behavior of a polylactide surgical implant for the fixation of osteochondral fragments after activation with ultrasound energy

Benjamin Kienast, Nils Zander, Philip Henry, Bjoern Vahjen, Justus Gille, Christian J�?�?�?�?�?�?�?¼rgens, Arndt Peter Schulz

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the ultrasonic energy used to melt the tip of an absorbable polylactide Pin (SonicPin) does not have a significant effect on the chemical characterization and associated degradation properties of the material. The results indicate that the polylactide Pin after ultrasound is chemically equivalent to the SonicPin prior to ultrasound with regard to chemical structure and risk of leachable compounds. The evidence gathered from literature and testing suggests that any potential toxicological risk to the patient is not amplified by the application of ultrasonic energy to melt the tip of the device