Comparison of total hinged and total nonhinged implants for the lesser digits.

The purpose of this paper is to present preliminary findings of an ongoing prospective study of the effectiveness of total digital implants. Forty hinged implants and 22 nonhinged implants have been evaluated to compare the two implants and establish preoperative criteria for their use. Our findings indicate better results for toe purchase and stability with the nonhinged implant and marginally better joint range of movement with the hinged implant. Preoperative dorsal contracture at the metatarsophalangeal joint leads to the most consistent postoperative complications.