Radiographic imaging following the use of absorbable internal fixation devices in orthopaedic surgery: The 'invisible' screws

摘要

We describe a single case report of the use of polylactic acid absorbable internal fixation screws (Biofix, Bioscience Ltd, Tampere, Finland) for the operative repair of a Pipkin type N hip fracture. Five months later a diagnosis of secondary avascular necrosis of the same femoral head was made on magnetic resonance imaging with no image degradation due to the presence of the screws. The use of biodegradable internal fixation devices therefore has the added advantage of allowing artefact-free postoperative imaging.