[Swanson silastic implant arthroplasty in pathology of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe].

Fifty-one disorders of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the Great Toe have been treated by implantation of a Swanson silastic prosthesis. A finger-joint device was used in 29 cases and a Great Toe device in 22 cases. The pathological lesions were degenerative arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis or failure of preceding procedures. The mean follow-up was 3 years. In more than 2 cases out of 3 pain was abolished. Joint movement was only slightly improved but there was a better range of dorsiflexion and an improved gait. The axis of the Great Toe was generally satisfactory and pre-existing deformity was corrected in 3 cases out of 4. These results are satisfactory in the short term and were better with the Great Toe device. Osteophytic reaction may be the cause of long-term failures.