Fixation of the Austin osteotomy with bioresorbable pins.

Clinical trials were conducted at the Foot Clinics of New York, testing the use of the Johnson & Johnson Orthosorb absorbable pins as an integral absorbable form of fixation of the Austin osteotomy. Two Orthosorb pins were inserted across the osteotomy from dorsal to plantar. Patients were placed in a plaster splint and allowed to walk with weightbearing as tolerated within 2 weeks of the procedure. A protocol was designed to include a 6-month follow-up with regularly scheduled postoperative examinations. These examinations included a review of pain, walking ability, edema, and measurements of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. No complications have occurred in this patient population. This study has shown that for a selected group of surgical candidates, Orthosorb bioresorbable pins are an effective form of fixation for the Austin osteotomy.