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Cartiva - Has anyone had it?

Posted , 157 users are following.

krista4435
krista4435

I'm looking looking at looking at getting looking at getting this. Anyone with experience here?

4 likes, 836 replies

836 Replies

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  • Mathew02011966
    Mathew02011966 krista4435

    Posted

    I’m scheduled to have this surgery. I was told I would be walking after 2 weeks. When did you go back to work? I’m on my feet all day at work. 
    • TraceyCt
      TraceyCt Mathew02011966

      Posted

      Paula,

      I took 3 week off. I went to the doctor at 2 weeks had stitches out and was out of the special shoe. However with swelling my shoe choices were limited walking on it at first it was sore. I'm now 4 weeks post op, I am able to get a sneaker on now. I put it up at night it does swell after it being down all day at work. I will say when I walk it is still a stiff and sore not unbearable pain but I'm not walking normally yet I am still limping a little. I do go to PT and every day I notice its better.  I can bend my toe more than I could before surgery. With all that said I'm not on my feet all day it might be tough to go back full time and be on your feet all day. 

  • jennifer03813
    jennifer03813 krista4435

    Posted

    I actually had my surgery a month ago as of Tuesday...I was back to work in a week because I sit at a desk....in 2 weeks I was able to be out of my boot fully....so in my case I was good to go....pain wise I gotta say none really...day of surgery you need to keep it elevated when you put your foot down you will get a throbbing pain but nothing that required me to take any pain pills...was not at all what I expected very easy surgery
    • trish45626
      trish45626 jennifer03813

      Posted

      Hi were you able to put weight on your foot immediately? Here in Australia they say u can walk straight away...I find that hard to believe actually
  • richard72374
    richard72374 krista4435

    Posted

    For those of you considering Cartiva or fusion, the FDA website www.fda.gov has some studies on long term results comparing fusion vs Cartiva. They had about equal satisfaction at 24 months, though it appeared Cartiva took longer to reach the same level as the fusion.  I had fusion 17 months ago and am very happy with the results. At the gym in 2 1/2 weeks, out of the boot at about 5 weeks, cycling at 7 and hiking at 12 weeks post fusion.  A very straight line recovery.  I had a Cartiva implant 14 weeks ago and though I was doing things much more quickly, progress slowed and I continue to have some pain in the foot.  Just for me personally I would have gone with the fusion in my right foot too, knowing what I know now.  According to the FDA site, women have a preference for the Cartiva.  My surgeon noted the Cartiva can be removed and fusion done if the result isn't satisfactory.

    ?Hopefully some of you with long term experience can report in.  

    • NancyMN
      NancyMN richard72374

      Posted

      Thank you Richard.  That was very helpful.  Do you mind if I ask your age?  I think that makes a difference.  Had cheilectomy on both feet in the last year.  Some improvement, but overall results were disappointing.  I know there's more surgery in my future.  Good to know that Cartiva is removable.

    • richard72374
      richard72374 NancyMN

      Posted

      Hi Nancy, I am 66 years old. Does older age seem to indicate a less positive outcome for the Cartiva?  To have fusion done later, I would suspect there would need to be some harvesting of heel bone to fill the hole for the Cartiva insert.  I had a small piece removed from the heel for my fusion. Good luck with whichever path you chose.
    • NancyMN
      NancyMN richard72374

      Posted

      Hi Richard -- Thank you again.  Good info.  Much appreciated.

      Nancy

    • linda41876
      linda41876 richard72374

      Posted

      So glad to see your post this morning. I saw my orthopedic surgeon yesterday to see if I was a candidate for the Cartiva implant. He told me some people who have had this procedure done are still experiencing some pain after 5 months. I have changed my mind and will probably have the fusion. Don't like the idea of the Cartiva not working out and then having to have a fusion done. Thanks for post!

  • Surfs_Up
    Surfs_Up krista4435

    Posted

    I live in Southern California and am looking for a local foot doctor who has done the Cartiva operation

    at least dozens of times.  After reading most of the threads, is seems to me that it works out for some folks and not others and I'm wondering if some of that has to do with the skill and experience of the doctors involved.

    Does anyone have a good experience with a Southern California Doctor?

    • nancy0814
      nancy0814 Surfs_Up

      Posted

      You should join our Facebook group cartiva implant patients. There are over 300 members they may have a doctor recommendation for you. 
  • rita05759
    rita05759 krista4435

    Posted

    Hi Krista,

     I'm hoping you can give me some feedback on your Cartivia surgery.    I am eight months post op from a cheilectomy  And I'm still in pain .   I have 50% bone on bone rubbing in my toe joint 

     I also think that I had a failed  Cheilectomy.   The pain and depression I have right now is beyond words.  I was also told that my metatarsal needs to be shortened.   Can you tell me the outcome of your Cartivia  surgery,  Are you pain free now and how many months postop are you ?

     Any information you can give me would be very helpful.

    Kind Regards

    Rita

  • gustavo09353
    gustavo09353 krista4435

    Posted

    Any Cartiva doctors recomended in the El Paso, Dallas or Houston, Tex ?
  • debbie45151
    debbie45151 krista4435

    Posted

    Krista,

    I had both feet done on 1/2/17.  It has been two weeks.  I get the stitched out on Thursday and then will be able to have full weight bearing on my feet.  I am hoping I can get a regular shoe or sneaker on by next week because I need to return to work and there is snow outside.  The open surgical shoe won't work for me.  I can already been my big toes back a and forth without a lot of pain.  It looks like I will be getting full range of motion back.  The first 3 days were a little rough with having both feet done and trying to get to the bathroom just 2 feet away from my bed, but all in all, I'm glad I got it over with at one time.  I had extensive bone shaved off both feet and spurs.  

  • craig8749
    craig8749 krista4435

    Posted

    I live in the Boston area. What was the name of the doctor that did this procedure for you?
    • jeanne1208
      jeanne1208 craig8749

      Posted

      Craig,

      Goggle Mercy Medical Center in MD.  It is the foot and ankle group.  My particular surgeon was Dr. Cerado.

      Good luck

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