SEVERE ASEPTIC SYNOVITIS OF THE KNEE AFTER BIODEGRADABLE INTERNAL-FIXATION - A CASE-REPORT

Biodegradable rods made of polyglycolide (Dexon(R), Biofix(R)) or lactide-glycolide copolymer (Vicryl(R)) have been used for the past 5 years for internal fixation of a variety of fractures and osteotomies (Bostman et al. 1989, 1990b). Experience from using such rods for fixation of intraarticular osteochondral lesions seems to be less extensive. We report a case of severe synovial reaction to biodegradable rods used for fixation of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee and discuss possible reasons for the increased risk of foreign-body reactions when these rods are used intraarticularly.