A retrospective study of the Swanson great toe hemi-prosthesis

This work is the summation and analysis of data received from a questionnaire forwarded to all Board Certified podiatric surgeons regarding their experience with the Swanson great toe hemi-prosthesis. The responses pertaining to a variety of concerns, including erosive changes, years in vivo, signs and symptoms indicating retrieval, percentage of surgeons polled performing retrieval and perceived reasons for observed erosive changes, were recorded and analyzed. The resultant data reveal significant erosive changes occur early after implantation with a plateau effect within 3 years. Persistent pain following implantation was the most common reason for removal followed by limited range of motion and nonspecific swelling. These three concerns comprised 70% of the reasons for retrieval followed by 18 other cited problems. The results of this poll originate from subjective and objective impressions of surgeons. It is clear that further work is required to scientifically identify and document the specific reasons for these findings, including the circumstances that result in successful implantation of this prosthesis.