Malleolar fractures in alcoholics treated with biodegradable internal fixation: 6/16 reoperations in a randomized study

29 alcohol abusers with displaced malleolar fractures were randomized to treatment with biodegradable self-reinforced polyglycolide screws or metallic implants. During an average follow-up time of 7 (0-15) months, 8 patients out of 16 treated with biodegradable fixation had postoperative redisplacement of the fracture and 6 were reoperated. 1 fracture in 13 patients with metallic fixation had a slight displacement postoperatively which did not require reoperation.