ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document the results of fixation with ethibond suture in akin osteotomy and its advantages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2001 to January 2004, Akin osteotomy was performed in 218 patients. We reviewed 110 patients (114 feet) who were possible radiographic evaluation more than 6 months after operation. 110 feet had hallux valgus and 4 feet had hallux valgus interphalangeus. 105 patients were female and 5 were male. The average age was 43.8 years old (18 to 68 years old). The average follow up was 9 months (6 to 23 months). After performing the Akin osteotomy at 7 mm from the proximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx, one hole is made on either side of the osteotomy site with a K-wire. The passer was passed through the both holes and the ethibond was passed. And then, the ethibond was tied tightly. 2 sutures in 66 feet and 1 suture in 48 feet were made. Radiographic bone union at 6 months follow up was regarded as success and loss of the reduction, nonunion was regarded as failed. RESULTS: In the radiographic evaluation, bony union were made at 6 months follow up in all feet. There was no difference between 2 sutures and 1 suture, and the knots were removed in 3 feet because of skin irritation. CONCLUSION: The fixation of the osteotomy site using suture material was an effective method in Akin osteotomy. The advantage of this procedure was unnecessity of the material removal.