Abstract

A nonconstrained, total great toe joint implant for the metatarsophalangeal joint made of a first component with a convex, partially spherical surface ending in a rear surface from which a longitudinally asymmetric implantation stem projects and having a flange on the dorsal side of the implant which extends the convex surface past the rear surface. The rear surface is inclined 10° relative to a normal plane which intersects this surface. The metatarsal bone is resected accordingly. The phalangeal implant component is made of a base with a stem for placement in a bone cavity, projecting from a rear side thereof and having a low-friction, concavely curved insert affixed to the base which slidably engages and cooperates with the convex surface of the metatarsal implant component. The base has an outline corresponding approximately to the outline of the resected surface on the phalangeal bone to eliminate bone-overhang and bony overgrowth that may result from such an overhang and which can compromise the proper functioning of the implant. The metatarsal implant component has right foot and left foot configurations resulting from the relative positioning and orientation of the asymmetrically shaped stem projecting from the rear surface thereof.