Bioabsorbable Pins Versus Stainless Steel Kirschner Wires in Fixation of the Chevron Osteotomy for Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Prospective Randomized Study with 2-Year Follow-up

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the outcome of fixation of chevron osteotomy for treatment of hallux valgus deformity with bioabsorbable pins and stainless steel Kirschner wires. Materials and Methods: A total of 112 patients (134 feet) with mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity treated with either bioabsorbable pins or stainless steel K-wires were included in the study between February 2010 and June 2016. At follow-up, patients were objectively and subjectively assessed to estimate the first intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), time to bony union and complications. Results: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of radiographic findings and main clinical outcomes by use of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Pin migration or prominence, however, was the predominant complication in patients with stainless steel K-wires.   Conclusions: Bioabsorbable pins and stainless steel K-wires used for fixation of the chevron osteotomy for treatment of hallux valgus deformity are similarly successful up.