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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Polymeric prosthetic devices enjoy the advantage of tailor-made properties. In particular bioabsorbable polymers possess distinct advantages. In orthopedic applications, most osteosynthesis has been achieved using metallic devices to stabilize fixation of bony fragments. The different elastic moduli of the metallic implants versus that of bone often causes cortical bone to atrophy. The theoretical advantage of gradual load transfer from the fixation device to the bone and the elimination of surgical removal after the healing of a fracture make an absorbable osteosynthetic material extremely useful. A resorbable porous coating material would also have the potential of improving fixation by promoting bony ingrowth and reducing cartilage destruction. The structural support function of a polymeric device can also be integrated with the drug-carrier function to take advantage of the recently discovered growth factors such as bone morphogenic proteins in enhancing bone union.