Fusion of the joint is often viewed as more definitive but may lead to significant alteration of gait causing postural symptomatology. The implants termed "two part unconstrained" implants in which a "ball" type device is placed on the first metatarsal head and "socket" portion on the base of the big toe do not have a good long term track record.
Fusion of the joint is often considered definitive but can cause significant changes in gait, leading to postural problems. The "two-part unconstrained" implants, which involve a ball on the first metatarsal head and a socket at the base of the big toe, have not proven successful over time.