Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible small bone joint replacement prostheses, such as a finger joint, is provided. The instrument includes a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, wherein the distal end of the handle is configured with a first connection portion. A head having opposed proximal and distal portions includes a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion of the head being configured with a second connection portion for releasable engagement with the first connection portion of the handle. A post protrudes distally from the base and includes a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post. The taper of the stem portion is adapted for mating with the grommet to be implanted into the medullary canal of bone.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant for resurfacing a damaged base portion of the proximal phalanx in a human great toe comprises a base fabricated from a titanium, ceramic or other durable and rigid biocompatible material. The base is generally elliptical and includes an anatomically-shaped proximal articular surface having an enlarged build-up on the lateral end thereof. The base also includes a generally planar distal seating surface disposed for engaging the sectioned portion of the proximal phalanx. An elongated stem extends distally from the seating surface of the base and includes an array of fins together having a cruciate-shaped cross section. The fins each include a plurality of serrations along their sloping edges for anchoring the stem within the cancellous portion of the proximal phalanx.