title: Implants for the first metatarsophalangeal joint and prospective considerations.
abstract: This article reviews the anatomy, pathology and biomechanics of the key joint of the foot, the first metatarsophalangeal joint, before focusing on the various designs of prosthesis that have been proposed for this joint. Metal hemiarthroplasties, single-piece, double-stem silicone implants and multicomponent implants are all considered in detail, as is an assessment of the available clinical results. In addition, preimplantation testing of the implants and the value of explant studies are discussed.
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland, Department of Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering, Nun's Island, Galway. tom.joyce@nuigalway.ie
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Joyce
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design