Absorbable Suture Fixation of Osteochondral Fragments in Intra-articular Fractures of the Upper Extremity: A Surgical Technique.

Intra-articular fractures of the upper extremities often involve small, thin osteochondral fragments that are difficult to fix. This report describes a surgical technique using absorbable polydioxanone sutures for the fixation of these fragments and shares our clinical experience. This simple method uses polydioxanone, which is available in every operating room as the fixation material. In our clinical series, including fractures of the radial head, metacarpal head, and capitellum, all patients achieved bone union and joint congruity restoration without major complications. Even in pediatric patients, this approach provides stable fixation with a lower risk of physeal injury. Although the initial tensile strength of polydioxanone is lower than that of rigid internal fixation, increasing the number of sutures or optimizing the suture configuration can further enhance fixation strength. The absorbable suture fixation technique is a valuable and cost effective option for managing small, thin osteochondral fragments to maintain articular congruity until bone union is achieved.