Your surgeon implants the polymer into the head of the 1st metatarsal, to act as a new joint surface.
Cartiva is an organic polymer engineered to match the properties of human cartilage, which is what wears out as arthritis progresses. CartivaĪ new option is Cartiva, which can be an alternative to the aforementioned procedures. Recovery involves a period of non- or heel- weight bearing followed by fully weight bearing in a surgical sandal for 8 weeks or more after the surgery. This reliably addresses pain symptoms but eliminates all motion at the joint. This is a joint-sacrificing procedure, in which the bones on either side of the joint are fused together with screws and possibly a plate. Recovery involves walking in a surgical sandal for about 3-4 weeks after the surgery.įor moderate to severe arthritis, a fusion has until recently been the only proven surgical option. This is recommended for mild to moderate cases of hallux rigidus. Traditionally, a procedure called a cheilectomy can be used to remove bone spurs from the top of the big toe joint. Surgery can be used to treat cases that fail non-operative treatment. Occasionally cortisone injections into the joint can decrease inflammation for a period of time. Physical therapy can be helpful to maintain range of motion. Non-surgical options include anti-inflammatories, shoe wear modifications, and over-the-counter or custom inserts (orthotics). Generally, advanced imaging like MRI or CT scan is not required. Some patients are more likely than others to develop big toe arthritis, either because of some anatomic abnormality or because of genetic predisposition.Ī clinical exam and x-rays can confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes trauma (a fracture or crush injury) can lead to this condition, but for most patients there is no specific inciting event. Some patients develop large bone spurs on the top of the foot, which can cause pain with shoe wear and discomfort when going up on the toes. Patients typically develop stiffness and decreased range of motion at the big toe, which affects walking, running, and other athletic activities. Patients typically develop symptoms between age 30 and 60, and females are more commonly affected than men. It is the most common site for arthritis in the foot. Big toe arthritis, also called 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthritis or hallux rigidus, is a common condition affecting the foot and ankle.