FIRST METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT ARTHROPLASTIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH OFVIRGINIA

This retrospective analysis of arthroplasty of the first metatarsophal angeal joint documents the incidence of surgery as well as the selecti on of the commercially available implants. During a 1-year period, 199 4, arthroplasties were performed in 47 of the 1.7 million subscribers to Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia. Women received the major ity of the arthroplasties (83%). Of the 47 cases, the silicone implant was predominantly used (83%). The most common indications for arthrop lasty were hallux valgus (30%) and hallux rigidus (28%). Podiatrists p erformed 79% of the procedures, while orthopedic surgeons performed th e remaining 21% of the cases. A prospective study is needed that will assess the long-term performance of the different implants.