Long SHIP Implant

Easy-to-use Hammertoe Implant Procedure

Sgarlato Med brings a new standard in the field of hammertoe implants with the Long SHIP (#80-100-01). Made of medical grade silicone, these durable implants will leave your patient with flexibility while maintaining correct toe length, shape and stability. The Long SHIP is available in one size. Lengths are determined by the surgeon for each custom application.
 Long SHIP implant

Benefits Include:
  • Low inflammatory response
  • Extremely easy to work with
  • Can be used in the PIPJ or DIPJ
  • No special tools needed
  • Smaller is better

Safe and Effective:
This procedure, utilizing the Long SHIP implant (#80-100-01), yields impressive, long term results.
The stems are designed to be trimmed for custom fit and can be used in both the PIPJ and DIPJ procedures.

Simple and Quick Procedure:
 Tools needed: Shannon burr and color coded sizers.

Step One:
Semi-elliptical incisions are made on the second, third, and fourth toes. A straight incision is used on the fifth toe.

Step Two:
The extensor longus tendon is transversely incised proximal to the interphalangeal joint and reflected distally.

Step Three:
An arthroplasty is performed excising 3-5 mm of the proximal phalanx head.

Step Four:
Excise all sharp edges from the phalanx stump. Drill the canals for the stems using the Shannon burr. A color coded sizer is used to determine the final fit of each implant.

Step Five:
The closing steps are: 1) suture the tendon, 2) close the subcutaneous tissue and 3) close the skin. This closes the pocket around the implant securely, stabilizing the toe. The correction should be achieved at this time. A Betadine soaked sponge is an excellent splint for the first two weeks. Wrap each toe individually with 1 inch Coban starting at two weeks post-op.

On certain fifth toes there is a need for an additional osteotomy of the lateral 20% of the intermediate phalanx.  This will aid in narrowing the girth of the toe.  This is usually performed prior to the arthroplasty of the proximal phalanx head.  The arthroplasty is then performed and the implant can be put in place.  There is ample intermediate phalanx base left to drill a hole for the distal stem.