Results of metallic Hemi-Great Toe Implant for Grade III and early Grade IV hallux rigidus.

INTRODUCTION: The authors the short-term and mid-term results of patients with their preoperative status who were surgically treated for advanced Grade III and early Grade IV symptomatic hallux rigidus using the Futura Hemi-Great Toe Implant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors were able to contact 23 of 33 consecutive patients. They had a detailed evaluation preoperatively and came in for a detailed mid-term evaluation. Some of the patients were able to come in routinely for detailed periodic evaluations.

RESULTS: Periodic evaluations showed most patients had a gradual improvement of function over the first 2 years. Patients with early Grade IV disease had a greater propensity to develop early recurrence of their dorsal osteophyte at or before their mid-term followup (average 6 years). In this group of patients, the Futura Hemi-Great Toe Implants lead to 88% good to excellent mid-term results and 88% patient satisfaction over a 6-year average followup.

CONCLUSION: Patients with early Grade IV hallux rigidus tend to develop progressive sesamoid arthritis and recurrent dorsal osteophyte formation more rapidly than advanced Grade III patients.