A biodegradable expansion plug for the fixation of fractures of the medial malleolus.

In a prospective study, 26 patients with a displaced fracture of the medial malleolus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using an absorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide expansion plug. Twenty-one patients could be followed regularly for at least six months. The follow-up time ranged from six to 18 months. No redisplacements occurred, and the consolidation of the fractures was uneventful. There were no signs of inflammatory foreign-body reactions. This preliminary study showed the potential of the self-reinforced polylactide expansion plug in the internal fixation of cancellous bone fractures. Further clinical applications are being planned.