Mid-term results of titanium hemi-great toe implants

Background. 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. Methods: Ten of 12 patients were contacted more than 2.5 years after surgery. Their charts were reviewed, and they were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Results: 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. Conclusions: Metallic hemigreat toe implants have satisfactory mid-term. results. Improved prosthetic design may lead to less implant subsidence and stem lucency.