Abstract

An endoprosthetic metatarsal-phalangeal replacement joint is described. The joint includes a distal metatarsal component having a part-spherical convex distal superior phalangeal articular surface, and two inferior "side-by-side" sesamoidal articular surfaces, separated by an intersesamoidal ridge. The proximal phalangeal component is provided with a proximal circular surface at least a major portion of which has a part spherical concave surface having similar radius of curvature as the distal superior phalangeal surface of the metatarsal component. Natural, natural-resurfaced or prosthetic sesamoids are secured to a flexible mesh element arranged to be secured between the phalangeal component and the phalanx so that the sesamoids are positioned for articulation with the two inferior sesamoidal surfaces of the distal metatarsal component.