Bioabsorbable pins for bone fixation in the less invasive innominate osteotomy.

For the less invasive innominate osteotomy for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip, we aim to report radiological outcomes, complication rates and reoperation rates for patients whose bone grafts were secured using bioabsorbable pins. A retrospective study of all patients who underwent less invasive innominate osteotomy for persistent or delayed diagnosis developmental dysplasia of the hip over a period of 2 years from 2008 to 2010 was carried out. A total of 59 hips were identified as having had their bone graft secured with two bioabsorbable pins made from copolymers of L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid and trimethylene carbonate. The average angular correction of the acetabular index in the bioabsorbable group at late follow-up was 16.48° (P<0.0001). Seven percent of patients from the bioabsorbable pin group went on to require reoperation for persistent dysplasia. No patient required reoperation due to implant failure. There was no incidence of postoperative wound infection or other complication requiring medical or surgical intervention. These results demonstrate that the use of bioabsorbable pins to secure the bone graft is as effective and safe as metal fixation.