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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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  • marion37583
    marion37583 krista4435

    Posted

    YES. And I bitterly regret it. Much worse. A year and a half of pain and misery and living on double the amount of painkillers recommended. I think I was ‘sold’ this as a miracle cure, although I’ve not come across anyone who has had such a negative experience. If you have, I’d love to know 
    • william_66723
      william_66723 marion37583

      Posted

      Unfortunately 9 months after Cartiva surgery it has made the hallux pain worse.

      I had worn out cartilage both big toes backpacking. Dr Bohay Grand Rapids Mi

      is a renowned orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. I was the first in West Mi

      to have the Cartiva surgery.  The doctor had done 30 in California. 

      I am sorry i went through this painfull , long  recovery procedure with no improvement. When i first saw the xrays after surgery the plastic cushion did not

      look big enough to neophyte me. I seem to be correct because the bones are still

      hitting each other. I must say i am prone to arthritis with pain in hands and lower back.

      I can still hike with rocker mbt shoes and nsaids and vicodin.

      I will live with it for now. My sister had the metal implant on one toe and it corrected the problem perfectly. So there seems to be a genetic tendency

      to develop hallux rigidus.

    • NancyMN
      NancyMN william_66723

      Posted

      What a nightmare!  So sorry to hear this.  Would you mind telling me how old you are?

      Thank you.

    • trish45626
      trish45626 william_66723

      Posted

      Wow thats amazing here in australia they are saying one can walk immediately after the procedure..was this not the case for you

       

    • trish45626
      trish45626 marion37583

      Posted

      Hi Marion did you have cativa? or something else...Here in Australia

      they are saying you can walk straight awy...is this not the case?

    • jatire40168
      jatire40168 trish45626

      Posted

      Marion, 

      That is NOT correct.  You can't walk right away because the stitches must heal first.  The first two weeks you are just minimally wiggling the toes to maintain the ROM (Range of Motion).  You can walk with a orthopedic shoe 2 weeks later, but rest assured, you will be walking on the side of your foot most of the time.  I recommend FIT FLOPS.  They are orthopedic shoes which are really cute.  They will cushion you foot so that you can walk reasonably.  

      Week 2 1/2 is where it gets fun.  The tendons and ligaments will be very stiff, they have to be stretched out again.  For me, painful.  Massage the foot and the scar tissue, you will have a better result in healing.  I am now 4 weeks out.   I can walk, but the joint reminds me with ever step who is in charge.  The pain has gotten much better.   

      Hope this helps 

    • jatire40168
      jatire40168

      Posted

      Maybe your doctor meant walk with crutches and no weight bearing 
    • julio6297
      julio6297 marion37583

      Posted

      Marion, I too had the cartiva implant and I also regret it.  I'm going to have it removed.  More pain now than I was ever in before!  I do not recommend having this done!

  • dan2289
    dan2289 krista4435

    Posted

    I am 60 year-old male and tentatively have Cartiva implant surgery schedule for early April 2018 to relieve osteoarthritis pain in big toe.  I am seeking feedback from anyone who was moderately athletic, particularly a runner, then had the Cartiva implant, and have you been able to get back to exercising, particularly running.   I'm not an elite athlete but enjoy running, including long distances.  This issues with my toe though are making this increasingly painful and almost unbearable.  Cartiva appears to be a quite promising solution.  I met with a surgeon who indicated I was a good candidate and he says I "should" be able to run again.  I just would love to hear from a real patient who actually has gone through this and been able to resume athletic activities (or not).  Thanks in advance.

    • karen80368
      karen80368 dan2289

      Posted

      I had cartiva implant placed in toe in October. I had a previous failed chielectomy in 2015 and was bone on bone. While my toe is not pain free, it is better than the arthritic bone pain. I am able to bike, yoga, pilates, some aerobics classes. I have tried running but found it painful even in Hokas. I went about 1.5 miles. I think this will change and improve over time. I saw a decrease in swelling and pain around 8 weeks. I seem to still struggle with uneven surfaces. I can definitely run better on treadmill. Hope this helps.
  • Foxm004
    Foxm004 krista4435

    Posted

    I want it done too.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a Dr in Massachusetts?
  • Judyae
    Judyae krista4435

    Posted

    Hi Krista, I had the cartiva implant two weeks ago today.  I am getting around very well and don’t have much discomfort, however every now and again have a stabbing joint pain.  I’m hoping it’s early and this is just healing.  How has your joint been now that you have time to look back.  

    Thanks.

    Judy

     

  • lorjie
    lorjie krista4435

    Posted

    I had my surgery yesterday, Feb 27 here in Simi Valley, CA (near LA) 24 hrs have passed. Not too much pain, but that huge walking boot is very cumbersome. I'm staying off my feet, have iced frequently and taking pain meds every 6 hrs. Can't tell if I'm swollen because of the bandage. I go back Friday to have it changed before the weekend. Dr says no driving for 2 weeks when I'll switch to the lighter weight walking shoe. It's my right foot, ugh. I'm an avid hiker and boxer so hoping for a quick recovery. Drink a lot of water post surgery and limit your sugar intake. Helps tremendously with healing faster. Have a titanium pin in my left foot before Cartiva was around. If healing goes well will have the procedure done on that one, too. Any good suggestions for recovery from anyone? I'm an active person, 61 years young and not used to being out of commission! Thanks, all!

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