Joint Replacement for Severe Hallux Rigidus

Have you become frustrated because of the limitations of a painful toe?

Before we begin to explore a possible solution, it is important to understand the problem.

Anatomy of the great toe?

The great or big toe is an important part of how we walk. It needs to bend with every step we take. It has a major joint at its base called the metatarsalphalangeal joint or MTP joint. The MTP joint is where the metatarsal and phalangeal bones meet and articulte with one another. The ends of these bones are covered with a smooth articular cartilage that helps the bones move together freely.

How does cartilage get injured?

A variety of events can damage cartilage; some include trauma (injury), infection, inflammation, and malalignment. A traumatic injury can cause an isolated defect. Malalignment of the 2 bones can cause more widespread damage to the joint surfaces similar to the way the tires on a car lose their tread if the wheels are not properly aligned.


Arthrosurface HemiCAP Implant

The HemiCAP implant is a technologically advanced system designed to match the shape and contour of the individual patient's cartilage surface. It is a "contoured CAP" for an area of damaged cartilage designed to protect the remaining, normal cartilage in an attempt to prevent further damage to the joint while maintaining the patient's range of motion. The HemiCAP system matches not only the diameter of the damaged area but also the precise radius of both curvatures of the patient's joint surface (top to bottom) dorsal to plantar and (inside to outside) medial to lateral. The technology for mapping the joint curvatures comes from eye surgery where was used to make products to protect the corneal surface. The mapping is done in the operating room by Dr. Thomajan. Once the mapping points are defined, an appropriately sized implant is chosen and then implanted into the patient. Different diameters & curvatures are available to provide a proper fit for each individual patient.

Description
The HemiCAP Contoured Articular Prosthetic incorporates an articular resurfacing component and a cancellous taper post component that mate together via a taper interlock to provide stable and immobile fixation of the implant and stress bearing contact at the bone/prosthetic interface.







Indications
Hemiarthroplasty implant for first metatarsophalangeal joint for use in the treatment of patients with degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis in the first metatarsal joint in the presence of good bone stock along with the following clinical conditions: hallux valgus or hallux limitus, hallux rigidus, and an unstable or painful metatarsal/phalangeal (MTP) joint.



HemiCAP System Advantages for the Patient

• HemiCAP technology was designed for patients who live longer, continue working, and retain more active lifestyles, and have an increased need for joint preserving treatments.
• This treatment option bridges the gap between "first-line" therapies and total joint replacement.
• Clinical studies demonstrate early positive clinical outcomes across different joints.
• Patients report outstanding pain relief, rapid recovery times and significant range of motion improvements in multi-center studies.
• Procedure may be performed on outpatient basis.
• HemiCAP allows for preservation of the joint and surrounding bone and maintains existing joint biomechanics, thereby allowing a more natural normal motion.
• HemiCAP removes a much smaller amount of cartilage and bone than traditional joint implants
• HemiCAP is placed "into" the surface leaving the joint less surgically altered