ABSTRACT
Fifteen patients totalling 19 first metatarsophalangeal implants were evaluated both subjectively and objectively. The average time of follow-up was 5.9 years. Sixteen implants were evaluated radiographically and the incidence of complications including implant deformation, bony erosions, and bony encroachment is reported. Postoperative clinical evaluation revealed several of the patients complained of pain and stiffness. Postoperative motion was restricted in most patients and toe purchase was present in only 6 of 16 patients. Despite the clinical objective findings, patient satisfaction was very favorable. Although the apparent complication rate appeared high, the authors recommend an effort be made to develop a multicentered retrospective analysis to find the true incidence of first metatarsophalangeal implant complications.
