Digital arthrodesis.

For lesser toe deformities, fusion of the proximal interphalangeal joint offers good long-term correction and predictability. Digital arthrodesis has been described for longer than 100 years in the literature, and current techniques closely resemble those described in early accounts. However, many implants currently being used take advantage of the latest metallurgic and polymeric innovations, with implants being composed of nitinol, polylactic or polyglycolic acids, and polydioxanone. Newer implants offer easy insertion and good stability, with no percutaneous wires. Pin-tract infection rates from exposed Kirschner wires may be as high as 18%, and newer implants help to mitigate this problem.