The Swanson double-stem silicon implant arthroplasty substantially improves joint pain and is a safe and reproducible choice for the surgical reconstruction of the 2-5 metatarsophalangeal joint. 

A study was performed to elucidate the results of long term follow-up after conducting Swanson implant arthroplasty in patients suffering from 2-5 metatarsophalangeal joint disease. 

From Jan 2010 to Oct 2015, 21 subjects suffering from 2-5 metatarsophalangeal joint replacement were carried out with Swanson double-stem silicone prosthesis. In this study, 16 cases (2 males,14 females, average age 66.7±5.5 years) were adequately followed up with the follow-up time ranging from 17 months to 5 years.

Notably, there were 9 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 2 cases of osteochondrosis of the metatarsal head, and 5 cases of severe osteoarthritis cases. The following scores were utilized: (a) The American Association of foot and ankle surgery Maryland foot scoring system, and (b) visual analogue score (VAS) to assess the joint mobility, walking function, and degree of pain pre and post-surgery.

The preoperative and postoperative score points based on the Maryland foot scoring system is shown in the table below:

The pre and postoperative range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint are shown in the below table:

The motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint remarkably improved after the surgery in comparison to before surgery. The surgery was found to substantially alleviate the pain symptoms.

The preoperative VAS score was (6.8±0.9) points and the VAS score at the last follow-up was (2.3±0.8) points. It was also found to aid in improving the walking function, maintaining the alignment and length of the metatarsophalangeal joint, and correcting the deformity.

In patients with 2-5 metatarsophalangeal joint diseases, arthroplasty with swanson prosthesis effectively improves pain symptoms.