Metatarsophalangeal resurfacing joint

The present invention provides a prosthesis for implantation at the proximal articular surface of a proximal phalange, of a human great toe. The prosthesis comprises a base portion having a generally concave bearing surface shaped to articulate with the distal articular surface of a metatarsal bone, and a flat surface opposite the bearing surface for emplacement against a resected surface of the proximal phalange of the great toe of the human subject. A stem extends distally from the flat surface of the base portion, for implantation in the intramedulary canal of a proximal phalange of the great toe of the human subject. The stem has a generally frustoconical shape, with a substantially oval wide end at the flat surface of the base portion, tapering to a substantially circular end. The generally frustoconically shaped stem has a longitudinal axis that is inclined at an anatomical angle, of about 94° to the base portion, to align with the intramedulary canal of a proximal phalanx of the great toe of the human subject.