Use of bio-resorbable implants for stabilisation of distal radius fractures: the United Kingdom patients' perspective

Abstract

Bio-resorbable implants have been, recently, introduced in the United Kingdom. To our knowledge there have been no randomised studies to assess perception of today's well-informed patients about this new method of fracture stabilisation. In order to assess the patients' perception a prospective study was performed on 100 consecutive adult patients with distal radius fractures. Following detailed verbal and written information about both resorbable and metal implants, the patients were asked to complete a specifically designed questionnaire. Ninety-five percent of the patients appreciated the 'resorbable' feature and responded that they would prefer to have their fracture stabilised with a resorbable implant. Conversely, 91% of the participants considered removal as the most negative aspect of the metal implant (p<0.0001). While 56% of the patients felt that it was relatively a new and evolving technology, 29% of them had apprehension about the relative strength of the resorbable implant. Eighty percent of the patients stated that they would be happy to participate in clinical trials to compare the use of bio-resorbable implants versus metal ones (p=0.0001). This study sets the foundation for the implementation of prospective randomised trials to assess the efficacy of the new generation of bio-resorbable implants.