[Arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe - a report on six years' experience (author's transl)].

At the orthopedic clinic of Lübeck College of Medicine surgical treatment of disorders of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe has, since 1975, included arthrodesis of this joint using a small bone chip. In the light of experience gathered in 150 arthrodeses performed to date, this paper aims to point out major considerations in surgical technique and postoperative treatment; keeping these in mind should help to prevent unsatisfactory courses and optimize results.