Abstract

A prosthesis for replacement of the first metatarsal-phalangeal articulation comprises a metatarsal component and a phalangeal component. The metatarsal component has a convex articulating surface and concave distal aspect, the metatarsal articulating surface being curved so as to approximate the natural articular surface of the first metatarsal bone and furthermore to articulate smoothly with the phalangeal articulating surface of the phalangeal component. The phalangeal component comprises a base member and an insert, the base member having a distal aspect adapted to engage and be secured to a resected end of the phalanx bone and also having a proximal aspect adapted to receive and have permanently attached thereto the insert. The insert, which includes the phalangeal articulating surface, is made available in various distal-proximal thicknesses, and an appropriately sized insert is selected during implantation so as to cause the tension in the natural soft tissue surrounding the prosthesis after implantation to approximate the tension of the soft tissue of the natural metatarsal-phalangeal articulation.

Other References

• Catalog page of Richards Manufacturing Co., Inc., Great Toe Total First, p. 63, 1981, 623-21