Mid-term results of titanium hemi-great toe implants.

Abstract

We reviewed the mid-term results of metatarsophalangeal hemiarthroplasty with titanium hemi-great toe implants. This study may help with future prosthetic design and evaluation leading to improved management and patient satisfaction. Ten of 12 patients were contacted more than 2.5 years after surgery. Their charts were reviewed, and they were evaluated clinically and radiographically. All patients were improved and satisfied in the first 5 years after surgery, but subsidence and lucency in all patients and a painful fracture in one patient bring long-term implant survival into question. The ultimate longevity of the implant and its long-term functionality should be questioned. Metallic hemi-great toe implants have satisfactory mid-term results. Improved prosthetic design may lead to less implant subsidence and stem lucency.