Foreign-Body Reaction and Osteolysis in Dorsal Lunate Dislocation Repair With Bioabsorbable Suture Anchor.

Background

In recent years the use of biodegradable suture anchors for treating tendon and ligament pathology in hand surgery became popular. These materials are biocompatible, radiolucent, and load sharing, as they incrementally transfer load to surrounding bone during the resorption process. Despite these numerous advantages, polyglycolic (PGA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) have become a problem because of the potential risk for foreign body reactions.

Methods

This article presents a case of an intraosseous foreign body reaction and massive osteolysis of the proximal carpal after dorsal lunate dislocation repair with bioabsorbable suture anchors.

Results

Because of the persistent pain and the decreased strength, a proximal row carpectomy was performed 12-months after the initial trauma.

Conclusions

Hand surgeons should be aware of the possibility of a late foreign body reaction, that could be especially severe in carpal bones.