Biomechanical features of Poly-D, L-lactic acid (PDLLA) rods through the degradation in vitro and in vivo

摘要

Objective: To observe the changing of biomechanical features during the degradation course of poly-D, L-lactic acid (PDLLA) rods in vivo and in vitro and to evaluate its value as an internal fixation material. Methods: PDLLA rods were emerged into PBS simultaneous body fluid with constant temperature of 37℃ and the rods were embedded into muscle tissue of 20 rabbits for degradation in vitro and in vivo . The rods were taken out in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks. Biomechanical features of bending, shearing and axial compression strength, rigidity and elastic modulus were observed during the degradation course. Statistical method was used to test the changes of biomechanical parameters. Results: (1) There was similar changes of bending, compressive, shearing strength and bending, compressive and shearing rigidity of the PDLLA rods between in vivo and in vitro. (2)Bending, compressive, shearing strength decreased 33%, 18% and 43% respectively within the first stage of the degradation, and after 6 weeks of degradation, they decreased slowly. (3)Elastic modulus, bending, compressive and shearing rigidity decreased sharply during the 6 weeks of degradation, with a drop of 22%, 39% and 30% respectively, and after 8 weeks, they decreased slowly. Even after 12 weeks of degradation, the strength of the rods was still higher than that of sponge bone. Conclusion: During the degradation of the material, the strength and rigidity of PDLLA rods can meet the need of fracture fixation of cancellous bones.