In vivo degradation and tissue compatibility of poly-L-lactide/beta-tricalcium phosphate composite rods for internal fixation of bone fractures / 生物医学工程学杂志

ABSTRACT

Abstract Poly-l-lactide/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PLLA/betaTCP) composite was obtained by combining ground beta-TCP with PLLA, and absorbable rods were prepared by injection moulding. Degradations of the rods were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), mass loss, molecular weight and bending strength changes. At the beginning of in vivo degradation of the rods, the molecular weight of PLLA decreases sharply with the less mass losses of the rods. As in vivo degradation progress, the surfaces of the rods changed roughly, while micropores and fine groove were observed in the inner part of the rods. The bending strength of composite rods decreased from 151 MPa to 106 MPa after in vivo degradation of 12 weeks. Tissue test reveal that PLLA/beta-TCP composite has good tissue compatibility compared with PLLA.