Resorbable poly-L-lactic acid mini-staples for the fixation of Akin osteotomies

The authors present a new fixation system constituted by reabsorbable mini-staples in poly-L-lactic acid, the use of which is proposed for Akin osteotomies. An initial cohort of 25 cases (23 patients), with a mean follow-up of 16 months (minimum 6 months, maximum 30 months) is presented. In 24 cases union of the osteotomy was found within 30 days of the surgical treatment; however, in one case it took longer (12 weeks). Neither pseudoarthrosis, malunion, nor breakage of the mini-staples was found. No adverse tissue reactions were observed. In all cases good deformity correction was achieved, with patient satisfaction reported in about 96% of the cases. In this type of surgery and in selected cases (without osteoporosis and/or severe arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint), this fixation device is an interesting alternative to the traditional nonabsorbable types.