Dr. Helka Koivu (MD, PhD, orthopedic surgeon, European Certification in Trauma and Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery) presented the poster “Biodegradable fixation pins for interphalangeal joint arthodesis in lesser toe deformity and fracture correction – a retrospective follow-up of 31 toes” at EFAS 2022. The study indicates that Inion FreedomPin™ bioabsorbable pins are clinically and radiologically safe and reliable method for lesser toe PIPJ or DIPJ arthrodesis.
Biodegradable fixation pins for interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in lesser toe deformity and fracture correction – a retrospective follow-up of 31 toes
Authors: Helka Koivu MD, PhD, Ilona Koski, MD, Pihlajalinna Turku Kupittaa, Joukahaisenkatu 9, Turku, 20520, Finland.
Background: To investigate the clinical and radiological outcome of the lesser toe deformities or fractures operated by interphalangeal joint fusion using biodegradable pins as fixation.
Patients and methods: Consecutive patients operated by proximal (PIPJ) or distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) arthrodesis using The FreedomPin™ (Inion Ltd., Tampere, Finland) made of degradable copolymer composed of L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid, with at least 12 months of follow-up were invited to participate. The clinical evaluation included alignment, swelling and pain of the operated toes, stability of the fused joints, congruence of the MTP joints, complications, revisions, and a subjective patient satisfaction. The radiographic evaluation included weight-bearing dorso-plantar, oblique, and lateral views of the operated foot for the analysis of the alignment, bony union, implant related bony reactions and other radiological complications.
Results: 21 patients (age 34-78, median 60 years) with 24 feet and 31 toes were available with median follow-up time of 26 (range 12-40) months. Clinical alignment was good in all but 1 toe. All toes were clinically asymptomatic. There were no revisions. All patients were satisfied and would choose the same operation again. The radiological alignment was corrected in 25, partially corrected in 5, and not corrected in 1 toes. A complete radiological bony fusion was detected in 25 (81 %), partial in 1 (3 %), and no fusion in 5 (16 %) toes. Small peri-implant asymptomatic lytic change was detected in 1 toe.
Conclusion: The FreedomPin™ bioabsorbable pin was clinically and radiologically safe and reliable method for lesser toe PIPJ or DIPJ arthrodesis.
Inion FreedomPin™
Inion FreedomPin™ is a strong and versatile bioabsorbable pin for even more challenging orthopaedic fixations. With a unique manufacturing method and an angular shaft shape design, the Inion FreedomPin™ offers many clear benefits over the traditional round-shaped pin implants.
