Poly-dl-lactide

Poly-DL-Lactide is a biodegradable, frequently used lactose polymer. The bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester is used in medical materials, for example in cosmetic surgery as a filler substance for tissue reconstruction. The polymer is also used in orthopaedic surgery, e.g. in interference screws for cruciate ligament implants, and in cardiology for bioresorbable stents. For the fixation of cruciate ligaments, the use of biodegradable fixation screws using lactose polymers is the method of choice (O'Daniel G 2017).

Poly-DL-lactide is generally tolerated and incorporated in the tissue without reaction. In a long-term study over at least 18 months, 27 HIV patients were examined after tissue augmentation in HIV-induced lipatrophy. In 1 case an induration was found at the injection site. 9 patients developed cosmetically unobtrusive papular infiltrates at the injection sites (Moyle GJ et al. 2006).

1. O'Daniel G (2017) Management of Late-Onset, Recurrent Facial Nodular Reaction After Poly-L-Lactic (PLLA) Injections. J Drugs Dermatol 16:1297-1299.
2. Hideo Tamai et al (2000) Initial and 6-Month Results of Biodegradable Poly-l-Lactic Acid Coronary Stents in Human Circulation102:399-404
3. Moyle GJ et al (2006) Long-term safety and efficacy of poly-L-lactic acid in the treatment of HIV-related facial lipoatrophy. HIV Med 7:181-185.
4. Perry CM (2004) Am J Clin Dermatol 5: 361. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200405050-00010