ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the fixation efficiency and biocompatibility of the absorbable high strength poly L lactide (SC PLLA) screws which were designed and made by us through a new material reinforcement process, solid state compression (SC), by investigating the healing and tissue reaction of the rabbits which were given femoral osteotomy and fixed with the screws. Method The right femoral condyles of 12 New Zealand rabbits were first cut off and then fixed with a SC PLLA screw. They were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, and 36 weeks postoperatively to exam their femurs radiologically and histologically. Results At all the sites of osteotomy was seen obvious formation of bony callus. There were no significant displacements at all the operative sides. Histologically, bony union showed at the site of osteotomy and direct connection between the bone and the implants was observed. Conclusion SC PLLA screws can provide sufficient internal fixation for the load bearing cancellous bone, and possess excellent biocompatibility.