Delayed Aseptic Swelling After Fixation of Talar Neck Fracture with a Biodegradable Poly-L-Lactide Rod: Case Reports

A 63-year-old woman complained of acute swelling and pain in her ankle at 15 months, after fixation of a talar neck fracture with poly-L-lactide rods. Roentgenographic and laboratory data revealed no abnormalities, but T₁-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed a diffuse area of low intensity in the talus. After nonweightbearing for 1 month, local findings had disappeared and the area of low intensity shown by magnetic resonance imaging had decreased without surgical treatment. Although there have been some reports of aseptic swelling or synovitis after fixation of a fracture with polyglycolide rods or screws, there has been no report of such cases with poly-L-lactide rods or screws.