Flexible (silicone) implant arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb

Silastic arthroplasty in rheumatoid MCP-joints: 60 joints followed for 7 years

“…The laxity of ligaments and bone resorption could be responsible for the loosening and fracture of the implants. The high number of fractures in our series might have been caused by the use of too small implants, careless preparation of the bone or early mobilization without the recommended dynamic splinting for 6 weeks (Swanson and Swanson 1984).…”

“…The complications included fractures of the implants, which occurred in 9/65. In 1972 Swanson reported that implant fractures occurred in fewer than 2 percent; according to Swanson and Swanson (1984) most fractures will occur within the first 2 years. Others have reported that the incidence of fractures increases with the observation time (Hagert et al 1975, Kay et al 1978.…”

Management of Osteoarthrosis of the Thumb Joints

“…This prosthesis became widely accepted. 39 Eaton 40 described a modified implant with a transverse hole for passage of an FCR strip. Silicone synovitis proved to be a major complication noted on long-term follow-up.…”

Surgical Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis: A Historical Perspective

“…This prosthesis became widely accepted [33] and there followed several modifications including that of Eaton [8] who borrowed the basic shape of the Swanson design but conceptualized a simple but elegant modification that took advantage of his and Littler's experience in reconstructing the ligamentous stabilization of the lax TMC joint using portions of the adjacent FRC tendon [9].…”