One-year Follow-Up Results with Hydrogel Implant in Therapy of Hallux Rigidus: Case Series with 44 Patients.

BACKGROUND

The Cartiva implant (CI) is being increasingly used in the surgical therapy of hallux rigidus. Despite a growing number of studies, numerous questions regarding patient selection remain unanswered.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

As part of a retrospective case series with prospective follow-up (average follow-up period: 12 months), a total of 44 patients (male/female = 16/28; mean age at the time of surgery: 55.4 years) with 44 CI were analysed (VAS, EFAS-, AOFAS-score). Using a correlation analysis and a machine learning algorithm, risk factors for therapy failure were investigated.

RESULTS

The overall survival rate of the CI was 93% at 12 months. The VAS, EFAS and AOFAS scores showed a significant improvement in comparison to the preoperative condition. The mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint showed no increase. Patients with a medium osteoarthritis grade and a medium level of clinical restraint showed the greatest improvement in relation to their preoperative condition.

CONCLUSION

The CI can be seen as an effective therapy for hallux rigidus. Nonetheless, realistic patient expectations must be communicated.