Abstract
Purpose: We conducted a study of 72 hammer toes treated with proximal interphalangaeal joint (PIPJ) fusions with a Stayfuse implant. The aim of the study was to access the clinical results of PIPJ fusion carried out with Stayfuse implants.
Method: There were 10 males and 62 females. Average age was 52 years. Twelve cases had bilateral and 60 cases had unilateral foot involvement. Fifty-two second and 20 third toes were operated on. Mean follow up was twelve months. The results were assessed clinically, radiologically and with the American orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery society (AOFAS) score.
Results: All the joints fused clinically except two. There were ten PIPJ’s which did not fuse radiologically. The AOFAS score improved from 42 preoperativley to 84 post operatively. There were two cortical breeches of the proximal phalanx, one implant breakage and one case of dissociation of the components of the implant at six weeks after the surgery, with a recurrence of deformity. There were two patients who complained of over-straight toes. Fifty-two patients were very satisfied with the procedure, seventeen satisfied and three patients were unsatisfied.
Conclusion: We conclude that the Stayfuse is safe, reliable method to correct PIPJ deformity, although there is a learning curve. The main advantages of the implant are that there is no postoperative implant exposure, no violation of healthy joints, no risk of pin tract infection, rotational and angular stability, early rehabilitation and a high patient satisfaction. The disadvantages of the implant are dissociation of the components and the difficulty of removal, if this is needed.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Mr Andrew H. N. Robinson, Editorial Secretary, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, BOX 37, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, England.
