Contact: Richard Cantrall 800.235.4855
Doug Cavarocchi
For Release 17 July, 1997
Eliminating surgical screws or hardware in bunion surgery can significantly reduce cost without lessening quality of recovery
MONTEREY -- The current method of surgical bunion repair is too costly, according to a study presented at the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) 13th Annual Summer Meeting. Researchers in Nebraska have discovered that the common practice of internal fixation -- using surgical screws or other hardware to hold an injured joint in place during the healing process -- does not significantly improve healing or pain reduction in certain bunion repair procedures, yet this hardware can cost in excess of $1,200.
"Fixation devices, specifically the Herbert/Whipple screw, became very popular in this procedure three to five years ago, because it was widely believed fixation improved the repair and increased the satisfaction of the patient," explained Lynn A. Crosby, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, co-author of this study. "However our research shows no significant difference in repair or satisfaction between those patients with fixation and those without fixation of any kind."
Dr. Crosby and his co-author, Rick Bozarth, compared three groups of patients undergoing chevron osteotomies (bone surgery to repair a bunion). One group received a Herbert/Whipple screw for permanent fixation, the second group received a K-wire temporary fixation, and the third group received no fixation at all. All patients reported satisfaction with the surgical procedure, a reduction in pain, and an improvement from their preoperative condition.
"Other fixation methods, such as polypropylene pegs, have gained popularity lately, but our research shows that fixation of any kind in these procedures is simply an unnecessary expense." emphasized Dr. Crosby.
Dedicated to advancing research and educational objectives in foot and ankle care, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society is the leading organization for orthopaedists with a special interest in foot and ankle problems. - 30 - Press and Patient information available at http://www.aofas.org
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