Poly (L-lactic acid) absorbable pins in osteotomy for treatment of hallus valgus: A 35-case report

A total of 35 patients with hallus valgus (56 feet) received treatment at the Department of Orthopedics, the Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University between January 2004 and June 2005 and were recruited into this study. These patients underwent osteotomy of proximal first metatarsal and internal fixation with poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) absorbable pins. All patients were followed up for 4-22 months. Excellent outcomes were found in 27 patients (44 feet) and good results in 8 patients (12 feet). The mean healing time of surgical region was 6 weeks, nonunion or delayed union was not found. There were 3 cases suffering from complications post surgery. Two of them presented with peripheral wound red swelling, considering as a result of extraneous material-caused aseptic inflammatory reaction. This phenomenon would be regressed 2-4 weeks after hydropathic compress of ethanol gauzes and timely renewal of dressings. There was 1 case who suffered from protrution of absorbable pin 1 week after fixation and received reposition and plaster fixation. Bone displacement and nonunion were not found. This complication maype results from excessively large bone pore due to shaking of electrodrill, which leads to loosening of absorbable pins.