The Swanson arthroplasty of the great toe: a prospective study.

A brief history and the evolution of the Swanson implant hemi-arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint introduces this small series of cases. Preoperative criteria, surgical technique, and results are presented along with the follow-up. Long term follow-up suggests that there are some additional complications to this especially in cases of arthritis associated with systemic diseases.