Polypropylene Surgical Meshes in Orthopedic Surgery: A Narrative Review

Restoring the continuity of the anatomical layers and the musculoskeletal soft tissues is fundamental in the reconstructive phases of all surgical proceduresSynthetic surgical meshes are commonly used augments in general surgery to fill flat gaps, but can also be used in other surgical fields, including orthopedics. We evaluated the evidence in modern international literature on the use of polyethylene surgical meshes in the different fields of orthopedic surgery, including hip and knee arthroplasty, trauma surgery, shoulder surgery, and orthopedic oncology. Polyethylene surgical meshes have been used to replace or reinforce musculoskeletal soft tissues. Flat mashes can be used to reinforce flat surfaces, like the cut articular capsules or torn rotator cuffs. Folded meshes provide good longitudinal resistance, allowing the reinforcement or reconstruction of tendons and ligaments in the lower and upper limbs. Also, orthopedic oncology could benefit from using meshes to replace resected soft tissues and provide attachment sites for remaining tendons and ligaments. In conclusion, surgical meshes represent a reliable and adaptable reconstructive approach for several soft tissue lesions in orthopedics surgery. Alone or in combination with other augments, polypropylene surgical meshes should be considered when facing wide soft tissue gaps around the musculoskeletal system.