Abstract
Background
Symptomatic flexion deformity of proximal interpahalangeal joint (PIPJ) is one of the most common foot deformities and usually treated with arthrodesis. In general, percutaneous K-wires are used to stabilize the joint after excision of cartilage. K-wires projecting out of the toe need special care and can occasionally be dislodged accidentally. Furthermore issues such as cellulitis, pin tract infections, rarely osteomyelitis and need for removal make alternative fixation methods desirable. Smart toe is an intra-osseous titanium memory implant, which is stored frozen. It expands on insertion and does not require removal.
Methods
30 consecutive K-wire PIPJ arthrodesis were compared with 30 Smart toe PIP fusions with a mean follow up of 6 months. Post operative forefoot scores and complications were documented.
Results
Patient satisfaction was higher and complications were lower with Smart toe fusions than with K-wire arthrodesis.
Conclusions
Fusion of PIP joints with smart toe is an effective and safer alternative to using K-wires. Although more expensive, higher patient satisfaction and lower complication rate may offset the extra cost of the implant.
