[Intermediate results with Swanson's hallux implant]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Silastic great toe prostheses have been used for foot deformities.
• Evaluating long-term outcomes of implant arthroplasty is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Swanson great toe prostheses in correcting hallux valgus versus hallux rigidus.
• To assess the suitability of implant arthroplasty for different first MTP joint pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 50 Swanson silastic great toe prostheses in 38 patients.
• Prostheses inserted between 1974 and 1984 at a single orthopedic university clinic.
• Analysis of outcomes for hallux valgus and hallux rigidus correction.

Main Results:

• Swanson prostheses showed poor results for hallux valgus correction.
• The procedure was highly successful in treating hallux rigidus.
• Effectiveness in hallux rigidus was maintained if the initial hallux valgus angle was ≤18 degrees.

Conclusions:

• Implant arthroplasty with Swanson prostheses is contraindicated for hallux valgus correction.
• Swanson great toe prostheses are an excellent treatment option for hallux rigidus, provided specific angular parameters are met.