Long term results of the Toefit-Plus replacement for first metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis

Hallux rigidus is osteoarthritis affecting the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe. Patients often complain of pain and stiffness with pain being aggravated by walking, particularly during toe-off in the gait cycle. Osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint is commonly treated with arthrodesis or resection arthroplasty. Metallic replacement of this joint is used sometimes but is not widely accepted. The use of silastic joints has problems with synovitis and implant failure. The authors used titanium implants, which can be screwed into the metatarsal and phalanx, allowing good fixation without the use of bone cement. Release of the tight plantar capsule and tissues is necessary to achieve better range of movement and correct implant positioning. Fifty five cases of arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were treated surgically with Toefit-Plus™ joint replacement. The implant consists of both metatarsal and phalangal components and a fixed-bearing polyethylene insert. All patients had a release of tight soft tissues on the plantar side. Follow up occurred at 84 to 144 months after surgery (mean of 134 months), and the results showed increasing numbers of implant failures and revisions (21%) of Toefit-Plus™ implants. 47 patients were available for review. Twenty four (51%) out of 47 patients reported satisfactory results with Toefit-Plus™ arthroplasty. Ten of these patients (21%) had removal of implants and further surgical procedures were needed due to implant failure. Eleven (23%) out of 47 patients still complained of pain despite having joint replacement with the Toefit-Plus ™ implant. There is a high rate of complications with the Toefit-Plus™ implant resulting in revision surgery. Patients should have the risks associated with arthroplasty clearly explained, including the risk of revision, and the option of arthrodesis should be discussed when planning surgery. Further trials and redesign of implants may help to improve results. The authors would not recommend the Toefit-Plus™ implant due to poor results seen in one third of patients.