The Use of Plla Screws for the Fixation of Bone Graft in Total Hip Arthroplasty

We used Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) screws for fixation of bone graft during THA operation in 22 patients (22 hips) with terminal stage coxarthrosis accompanied by marked acetabular dysplasia. Fixation with PLLA screws alone was performed in 6 of the first 7 cases. A metal washer was also used for better stability in one hip in which the bone graft was soft. In order to achieve adequate fixation between graft bone and acetabulum, a PLLA washer was produced and used at the time of PLLA screw fixation in the other 15 cases. Good bone union and good remodelling of the graft bone were observed in all hips. Since the follow-up period was short, the long term state of the grafted bone in the absorption process of the PLLA screws is still unclear. However, at present, PLLA screws appear to be a promising material that can replace metal or ceramic screws which may have some problems.