Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) has been reported as gold standard for the treatment of advanced hallux rigidus and is a well-documented procedure. However, many patients demand a mobile MTPJ and therefore joint sparing procedures like MTPJ-arthroplasty have gained popularity. The aim of the present study was to present first mid-term results after hemiarthroplasty to treat advanced osteoarthritis of the first MTPJ. Between April 2006 and October 2013, a total of 81 hemiprostheses (AnaToemic®, Arthrex) in 71 consecutive patients (44 females, 27 male, 10 bilateral; mean age, 58 [range, 45–82]) were implanted at the St. Vincent Hospital Vienna (Austria). The indication for surgery was persistent MTPJ pain after failed conservative treatment combined with radiologic evidence of osteoarthritis (advanced hallux rigidus grade II-IV). Patients were clinically examined using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score before surgery and at the final follow-up visit. Patient's satisfaction with the treatment was recorded. Radiological results were evaluated using standard x-rays and revision surgeries were documented. The mean preoperative AOFAS Scores significantly increased from 51 to 88 points after an average follow-up duration of 5 years (p<0.001). Most patients (76%) were either very satisfied or satisfied with the procedure. Radiological assessment showed some kind of radiolucencies on the base plate, whereas the stem of the prosthesis was well integrated in most of the cases; however clinical outcome was not affected by minor radiolucent lines on the base plate. In the majority of patients the implant was in situ at last follow-up. If revision surgery, due postoperative pain or implant loosening, was required; it occurred within 12 to 36 months. According to our promising mid-term results with a MTPJ-hemiprostheses, we conclude that MTPJ-arthroplasty is an effective alternative treatment modality for anatomical reconstruction of the first MTPJ with the benefit to reduce pain and maintain mobility

Background. Total ankle arthrpoplasty (TAA) was performed frequently for ankle deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). TAA has some advantages over ankle arthrodesis in range of motion (ROM). However, loosening and sinking of implant have been reported with several prostheses, especially constrained designs. Recently, we have performed mobile bearing TAA and report short term results of this prosthesis followed average 3 years. Method. 20 total ankle prostheses were implanted in patients with RA (n=14) or OA (n=6) in 19 patients (5 male and 14 female, one bilateral), between 2005 and 2009. We used FINE total ankle arthroplasty that is mobile bearing system (Nakashima Medical Co., Ltd, Okayama, Japan). All patients were assessed for American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, ROM in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion at the point of pre-operation and final follow-up. We evaluated radiolucent line, sinking, and alignment of prostheses at final follow-up. Results. At the operation, patients were, on average, 64.1 years old. The mean follow-up period was 34.0 (6∼55) months. We found excellent satisfaction and a significant improvement of AOFAS score. Plantar flexion and dorsiflexion also improved compared with the preoperative state, but not significantly (table 1). At final follow-up, five ankles (25%) showed radiolucent line around the components or sinking of prostheses. Three ankles (15%) was performed reoperation, due to early infection, progressive medial OA change by sinking, and loosening of the talus component. Discussion. Radiolucent line around the components or sinking of prostheses occurred at high frequency (25%). But, only two ankles (10%) were had to reoperation, cause by pain. We take account of the fact that the symptom was lack in spite of radiological changes. Good clinical results can be achieved with FINE total ankle arthroplasty system. However, this series was short term of follow-up. We need to evaluate mid- and long- clinical results. Mobile bearing total ankle arthroplasty is a treatment option for RA and OA