Totally absorbable screws in fixation of subtalar extra articular arthrodesis in children with spastic neuromuscular disease: preliminary report of a randomized prospective study of fourteen arthrodeses fixed with absorbable or metallic screws.

Seven patients with spastic neuromuscular disease and severe hindfoot valgus deformity were treated by subtalar arthrodesis. Arthrodesis was performed in both feet at the same operation and fixed on one side with a self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) screw, and with a standard AO screw on the other side. The functional status state was improved, and radiographic union of the arthrodesis occurred in all feet. The radiograph showed better solid fusion in five feet treated with PLLA screws, similar fusion in both sides in one patient, and one slower fusion in the side treated initially with a PLLA screw. Totally absorbable SR-PLLA screws appear to be firm enough for fixation of subtalar extraarticular arthrodesis in children.