title: Ultrastructure of collapsed metatarsophalangeal silicone elastomer implant.
abstract: The use of silicone elastomer implants in podiatric surgical practice is presently a well accepted treatment modality. However, there are instances of failure, and the present study describes a total collapse and fragmentation of a metatarsophalangeal joint prosthesis. Defects are demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, while physical and chemical reasons for the occurrence as stated in the current literature are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Podiatric Surgery, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: McCarthy
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Chapman
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000592:standards*; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011859:Radiography; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014033:Toe Joint / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers