Midterm functional outcomes of synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) arthroplasty for hallux rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a common degenerative condition of first metatarso-phalangeal joint most commonly affecting patients above 50 years of age. The aim of our study is to evaluate the five-year results of synthetic cartilage implant (Cartiva) arthroplasty for hallux rigidus. A retrospective study of 70 patients who underwent synthetic cartilage implant interpositional arthroplasty were collected and analysed. Patients with Grade 3 to 4 hallux rigidus and who had failed conservative management were included. Patients who had previous forefoot surgery, hallux varus or valgus deformity of more than 25⁰ and neuromuscular disease were excluded. Mean age at the time of operation was 63.4 years (range 42-84 years). The mean follow-up was 62.6 months. The functional evaluation was done using Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ). EQ-5D and EQVAS. 86 patients were matriculated in the study with 70 patients being assessed at five years. The average preoperative MOxFQ score improved from 35.74 (31.44-40.04) to 19.11 (11.31- 26.91) at one year after surgery. The EQ-5D scores improved from preoperative average of 9.40 (8.14-10.66) to 4.26 (2.09-6.43) at one year. The preoperative EQVAS was 61.66 (51.25-72.07) to 71.45 (60.87-82.03 at one year. At five years follow up the average MOxFQ score was 17.6 (9.92-24.38), EQ-5D - 4.8 (2.26- 6.45) and EQVAS - 72.48 (62.40-82.56). Three patients had revision to first MTP fusion due to ongoing pain. Synthetic cartilage implant has demonstrated clinical efficacy and good functional outcomes at the end of five years for the treatment of Hallux rigidus.