The Keller arthroplasty with use of the Dow Corning titanium hemi-implant

Complications following the Keller arthroplasty, such as instability, shortening, and recurrence, are well known. Implants acting as a joint spacer may present some of these complications. Presently, silicone is the implant material most widely accepted and used, despite its unsuitability for long-term use and potential to produce bone and soft tissue pathology. Titanium is a more suitable material for long-term implantation and has been available since 1986 for use in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Presented is a brief review of first metatarsophalangeal arthroplasty progressing to the development of the Titanium hemi-implant and a case report of its use with a 3-year followup.