Cartiva® Implant Maintain Mobility after Big Toe Joint Arthritis Treatment

Symptoms of Big Toe Joint Arthritis 

Patients with big toe arthritis typically experience: 

• Pain at the base of the toe 
• Swelling at the base of the toe
• Bone spurs next to the joint 
• Calluses around the arthritis area

Signs and symptoms usually worsen during physical activities, making it difficult for patients with hallux rigidus to stay physically active.  

Diagnosis and Candidacy

We are proud to offer MTP joint arthritis treatment using the Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant. This biocompatible implant closely replicates your natural cartilage and acts as a spacer between the foot and big toe, preventing painful grinding between the bones caused by arthritis. 

Because we thoroughly screen every patient to determine if they are a good candidate for the implant, we have seen high success rates. To determine whether surgery is right for you during your in-office consultation, Drs. Balloch and Butto will typically test your joint mobility and conduct x-ray imaging. If the arthritis affecting the area is minimal, conservative options may be sufficient for treatment. If arthritis is extensive, she will assess your candidacy for the Cartiva implant. 

If you are not a good candidate for the Cartiva implant, our doctors may recommend: 

• Cortisone injections 
• Oral and topical anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy 
• Different MTP joint implant 
• Fusion of the MTP joint, which typically results in a reduced range of motion 

Your care is personalized to your unique situation so we can choose an option that best fits your needs.

Preparation, Surgery, and Recovery

Once candidacy has been established, you will then undergo a pre-operative evaluation with your primary care provider to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. During the Cartiva implant procedure, Dr. Balloch or Dr. Butto will create a two-inch incision between the big toe and the foot. She will access the affected site, clean the arthritis area, create a hole in the foot bone, and place the spacer between the big toe and foot bone. She will then close the incisions. 

By using cutting-edge technology, our surgeons are able to consistently ensure high satisfaction, substantial pain reduction, and an improved quality of life.

The entire surgery can be completed in just 30 minutes, allowing you to spend less time under anesthesia. When surgery is complete, you will need to be driven home by a friend or loved one. One of the greatest benefits of the Cartiva implant is that you can stand and walk immediately after surgery. Patients also notice an immediate reduction in pain. It is important to note that patients who receive a Cartiva implant typically return to daily activities much faster than patients who undergo joint fusion.

Life after the Cartiva Implant

Patients who receive a Cartiva implant from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists generally report high satisfaction rates and benefits such as: 

• Substantially reduced pain in the toe
• Reduced stiffness
• Significantly increased joint function
• Increased mobility of the toe and overall body
• Improved comfort when wearing normal shoe gear

The Cartiva implant also allows patients to preserve motion in their big toe and maintain an active lifestyle. In most cases, the Cartiva implant will last a lifetime after its placement.

Learn More about the Cartiva Implant 

Don't let big toe joint arthritis prevent you from living life to the fullest. Dr. Balloch and Dr. Butto are board-certified foot and ankle specialists who care for dozens of Cartiva implant cases each year. By using cutting-edge technology in their procedures, our surgeons are able to consistently ensure high satisfaction, substantial pain reduction, and an improved quality of life. To find out if you are a good candidate for the Cartiva implant, schedule a consultation at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling (860) 352-1872 or requesting an appointment online.