Hammertoe correction using an absorbable pin

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Bioabsorbable implants have found an increasing number of uses, including fractures of the malleoli, radial head, and distal radius, among others. We have begun to use bioabsorbable pins for the purpose of hammertoe correction. K-wires have been the traditional method of fixation for arthroplasty/arthrodesis in the correction of hammertoes. We describe an alternative method using poly-p-dioxanone 2-mm absorbable pins. This method may prove to reduce infection by avoiding exposed pins and gives patients an earlier return to normal footwear.