Fixation with bioabsorbable pins in chevron bunionectomy

Fixation with bioabsorbable pins in distal chevron bunionectomy reduces the inconvenience and the risk of infection associated with fixation with stainless-steel Kirschner wires, which leaves a portion of the wires protruding from the skin. However, use of bioabsorbable implants has been reported to be associated with osteolysis and formation of a sinus with a sterile discharge. We studied the outcome and complications seen with use of poly-p-dioxanone pins and those seen with use of stainless-steel Kirschner wires after chevron bunionectomy in 114 patients (144 feet). We found no difference between the treatment groups with regard to the prevalence of complications or the stability of fixation. Notably, the prevalence of osteolysis was quite similar between the treatment groups; none of the feet that had had fixation with bioabsorbable pins had formation of a sinus with a sterile discharge. We believe that bioabsorbable pins can be used reliably to fix the site of the osteotomy for a distal chevron bunionectomy without undue risk of osteolysis or other complications.