Modification of the total first metatarsophalangeal joint implant arthroplasty.

The Swanson Silastic HP 100 Flexible Hinge Toe Implant (Dow Corning Wright, Arlington Tennessee) displays superior tensile, elongation and tear propagation strength in comparison to other silicone implant materials. It is, however, subject to many factors which may shorten its life-span. One reason for such failure has been attributed to the irregular contour of bone ends created after metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty, resulting in abrasion shards and shearing fractures of the implant stems and hinge. Titanium grommets were developed to alleviate this factor. This case report demonstrates a complication subsequent to total first metatarsophalangeal joint implant arthroplasty and the effectiveness of the Swanson Flexible Hinge Toe Joint Grommet. (Dow Corning Wright, Arlington, Tennessee).