Learn more about
1st MTP Joint Hydrogel Spacer
‘CARTIVA’
Written by Dr Mike Smith
Do you have arthritis of your Big Toe ?
CARTIVA is the latest advancement in treating big toe arthritis.
- Relieve your pain
- Improve your movement
Hallux Rigidus is a termed used to describe arthritis of the big toe (1st MTP Joint). Characteristic symptoms include pain while walking, stiffness, and difficulty with footwear. Traditional surgical techniques have included fusing the arthritic bones together to alleviate pain.
While this is certainly a valid treatment option for some, many patients are looking for a technique that allows pain relief AND preservation of joint motion. Enter CARTIVA.
What is Hallux Rigidus?
Hallux Rigidus can affect both men and women, and may be present in one or both feet. It can be found in patients that have a tendency to develop arthritis in other areas around the body, or may present as an isolated location.
As the severity of the arthritis increases, patients typically develop progressive stiffness within the big toe (1st MTP joint) and difficulty mobilising. ‘Deformity’ and bone spurring may also be present.
What is CARTIVA and how does it work?
CARTIVA is a synthetic hydrogel cap made from a similar material to contact lenses. The ‘Cap’ acts as an interposition within the big toe (1st MTP) joint and prevents the painful arthritic bones from contacting each other under pressure when walking. Because the joint is not being ‘fused’ together, patients gain both pain relief and maintain range of motion within the joint itself.
A CARTIVA implant is inserted as a day procedure, and patients are able to weight bear immediately following this technique. Associated bone spurs (osteophytes) are removed as part of the technique. Early joint movement is encouraged.
Article
Big toe Arthritis
What’s new on the horizon?
SHARE THIS:
Do you have big toe arthritis?
Look out for these signs
Do you suffer from any of these?
- Pain within your big toe (1st MTP) joint – Worse with walking / running
- Difficulty propelling yourself forwards whilst walking
- Stiffness within your big toe joint
- The development of bony spurs (osteophytes) within your toe
- Difficulty with certain footwear
Ask the Surgeon
Visit us on Facebook to "Ask the Surgeon"
Want to ask us a question? Visit us on Facebook and post your question. Your questions will be public, and answered as soon as possible.
Contact Us
Tel: (08) 7099 0188
Address: 94-96 Fullarton Rd, Norwood, 5067
Orthopaedics 360
Orthopaedics 360
P: (08) 7099 0188
F: (08) 7099 0171
Southern Specialist Centre
Orthopaedics 360
P: (08) 7099 0188
F: (08) 7099 0171
Health @ Hindmarsh
Orthopaedics 360
P: (08) 7099 0188
F: (08) 7099 0171