Abstract
In five years 55 joints in 46 patients were treated surgically with a titanium implant for arthritic hallux meta-tarsophalangeal joints. There were 35 women and 11 men. The pathological indications were hallux rigidus (74%), rheumatoid arthritis (10%) and degenerative changes associated with hallux valgus (16%). Six cases were done as a revision of silastic to titanium prosthesis due to severe silicone synovitis.
The mean age was 60 (range 43–76) years, and the mean follow up was 56 (range 28–86) months. The mean time taken to get back to normal activities is 36 (range 21–90) days. The mean range of motion achieved was 32 degrees (range 20–64) and the relief of pain was excellent or good in 86% of the patients. There were no surgical complications in the form of infection, osteolysis or instability. The synovitis in the revision group has subsided.
The clinical results of titanium hemiarthroplasty were good. The advantages of this procedure were preservation of joint movement and good pain relief.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr J. L. Barrie. Correspondence should be addressed to Mr J. L. Barrie, BOFSS Editor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 3LR.
