Retrospective analysis of Silastic implant arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of implant arthroplasty according to subjective, biomechanic, and radiographic parameters over a long period of time. Implants in 40 feet (27 patients) were analyzed at an average follow-up time of 8.25 years and a mean patient age of 63. The results were consistent with the subjective findings of previous studies that demonstrated that most patients were satisfied with the procedure. Ninety-six percent of the patients in this study confirmed they would undergo the procedure a second time. The radiographic results did not demonstrate a high incidence of implant fracture as previously reported. This review suggests that implants can be effective when used with patients who are carefully selected according to age, activity level, and diagnosis.