Objective: To observe the short-term results of Swanson double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty in the treatment of late stage Freiberg disease.
Methods: From July 2006 to December 2007, Swanson double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty was performed on 13 patients, 11 male (1 foot) and 12 females (17 feet), suffering from late stage Freiberg diseases. All the cases were the second metatarsophalangeal joints. According to the Smillie classification, 11 feet present with grade 4 osteonecrosis, 7 feet with grade 5. The AOFAS scoring system was used for clinical assessment. All the patients were followed up for an average of 11.3 months (3 to 17 months).
Results: The mean preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores were (50.06 +/- 9.59) and (77.50 +/- 4.99), respectively (P<0.05). The complaint of pain with joint motion was decreased in all patients. The postoperative passive range of motion of joints improved significantly.
Conclusion: Swanson double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty yields satisfied short-term results in late stage Freiberg disease, which is effective to improve range of motion and relieve pain of joint.