Treatment of Pediatric Displaced Intraarticular Olecranon Fractures with Resorbable Poly-L-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) Pins and Polydioxanone (PDS) Loops.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric olecranon fractures, though rare, can be serious. Treatment varies by type and severity; displaced, intraarticular fractures usually need surgery, where biodegradable implants are emerging as an encouraging option to metal hardware.

METHODS

Our prospective, single-center, single-arm case series evaluates three pediatric olecranon fracture patients treated by resorbable poly-L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) pins and polydioxanone (PDS) loops between Jan 2022 and January 2023 at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pécs, Clinical Complex.

RESULTS

All patients achieved complete radiological healing with excellent functional recovery and no implant-related complications at one-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Resorbable PLGA pins and PDS loops provide a promising alternative to conventional metallic fixation in pediatric olecranon fractures, abolishing the need for a second implant-removal surgery while maintaining stability and biocompatibility. Our findings support the child-friendly nature and growing role of biodegradable materials in pediatric fracture management.