Patient-Reported Outcomes and Early Complications After Synthetic Cartilage Device Implantation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomaterials science
• Podiatric medicine

Background:

• Level I studies suggest synthetic cartilage implants (SCI) are effective for hallux rigidus.
• Recent reviews question these promising results.
• This study aims to report patient-reported outcomes and early complications of SCI for hallux rigidus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient-reported outcomes after hydrogel synthetic cartilage implantation for hallux rigidus.
• To document early complications associated with this innovative treatment.
• To contribute data to the limited literature on SCI for hallux rigidus.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 54 patients (59 feet) treated with SCI for hallux rigidus between July 2017 and November 2018.
• Data included demographics, radiographic grading, VR-12, FAAM, VAS, satisfaction, and complications.
• Average follow-up was 18.9 months; Level IV, case series.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in VR-12 Physical (6.5 pts), FAAM ADL (17.2 pts), FAAM Sport (27.4 pts), and VAS (18.4 pts) (P < .01).
• Patient satisfaction was high, with 72.5% willing to undergo the procedure again.
• 18.5% of patients required revision surgery, with 7 converted to arthrodesis.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel SCI for hallux rigidus leads to improved pain and functional outcomes at short-term follow-up.
• Reoperation and fusion rates are comparable to existing literature.
• SCI offers a viable, though not complication-free, alternative for hallux rigidus treatment.