Reasons for Cartiva implant toe surgery
- Pain in the joint when you are active, especially as you push-off on the toes when you walk
- Swelling around the joint
- A bump, like a bunion or a callus, that develops on the top of the foot
- Stiffness in the great toe and an inability to bend it up or down
What to expect with Cartiva Surgery
During a simple outpatient procedure lasting approximately 45 minutes, your surgeon exposes the MTP joint by making a small, 4-5cm incision. After removing any bone spurs, the damaged cartilage on the metatarsal head is removed and replaced with a press-fitted Cartiva SCI implant to provide a smooth, load-bearing joint surface. Unlike a fusion procedure, you may begin weight-bearing immediately as tolerated. Likewise, some range of motion exercises should begin immediately to avoid stiffness. Many patients achieve relief from their arthritis symptoms immediately after the procedure, but normal soft tissue pain or discomfort may persist beyond four to ten weeks as the wounds heal after surgery.