The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical results of application of bioabsorbable screws in hallux valgus surgery using modified Mau osteotomy.

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 25 patients. Operations were performed between May 2013 and January 2014. We performed 33 modified Mau osteotomies and fixed using bioabsorbable screws. Mean age of patients was 52 years (range 19 to 71). Mean follow up duration was 13.2 months (range 12.3 to 18.9). The clinical evaluations included pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and satisfaction score. Weight bearing anteroposterior radiographs were taken for measurement of hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). All radiographs were evaluated in order to detect complications related to bioabsorbable screws such as osteolysis, cyst formation, and fixation failure.

The mean pre- and postoperative pain VAS scores were 4.0 and 1.7 (p<0.05). The mean AOFAS score improved from 52.6 to 82.8 (p<0.05). Preoperative HVA and IMA were 31.2 and 13.9, respectively. Postoperative HVA and IMA were 5.2 and 6.2 (p<0.05). The DMAA increased from 7.8 to 9.9 (p<0.05). There was one case of superficial wound infection and one loss of correction, and no case of osteolysis, cystic formation around the screw, or deep infection. All patients showed union without fixation failure.

The clinical and radiological evaluation of this study demonstrates reliable results without fixation failure or allergic reaction. The use of bioabsorbable screw appears not to be inferior to metal screw fixation in hallux valgus surgery.