Surgical Outcomes of Synthetic Cartilage Implant Hemiarthroplasty for Metatarsophalangeal Arthropathy

Introduction Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthropathy in the great toe causes considerable pain and debilitation, severely impacting quality of life. Traditional management options included conservative measures, steroid injections, and arthrodesis. New options include Cartiva, a synthetic cartilage hemiarthroplasty for the MTPJ. This prosthesis has evidence of improved pain and function without the sacrifice of joint movement seen with arthrodesis. However, the implant itself has mixed reviews. This study aims to identify the pre-, peri, and short-term post-surgical outcomes of Cartiva surgery and review the literature for existing reported outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 22 consecutive Cartiva procedures between 2016 and 2022 in a single UK institution. Hospital records were analyzed for peri-operative complications, implant survival, additional operative interventions, patient-reported outcomes, and functional improvement. Results Twenty-one patients underwent Cartiva for the first MTPJ pathology and one for the third MTPJ pathology. Prior to surgery, 40.9% of patients had undergone alternative therapies, including MTPJ steroid injections (seven patients), cheilectomy (four patients), and bunionectomy (one patient). Total complication rates, inclusive of medical, surgical, and implant complications were 45.5% (10/22). Total reoperation rates were 18.2% (4/22) including two revisions to arthrodesis and two manipulations under anesthesia (MUA) with local anesthetic injection. At the final follow-up, 55% were still experiencing pain, 15% neurovascular symptoms, 10% swelling, and 50% stiffness or reduced range of movement. However, 85% of patients returned to usual activities of daily living within two years. Conclusion Cartiva surgery for metatarsophalangeal arthropathy has demonstrated outcomes of persistent pain, limited range of movement, and restricted function at short-term follow-up. Rates of reoperation and revision to arthrodesis were comparable with similar studies.