Wound Care
Cartiva, Inc. is a developer of products for the treatment of cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. PA Foot and Ankle Associates is proud to announce that Dr. Teichman and Dr. Rocchio are specialists in the Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant, or Cartiva SCI, for arthritis of the big toe joint. Arthritis at the base of the big toe is the most common arthritic condition in the foot and involves the wearing down of the cartilage located here, which can cause pain. Cartiva SCI serves as an alternative treatment for this condition, which is typically treated by fusing the bones in the arthritic joints with pins, screws or a plate. Despite being effective in permanently removing the arthritis and its associated pain, fusion does not allow for movement of the joint. This restriction of movement causes limitations on certain daily functions and sports activities.
As an alternative to fusion, Cartiva SCI is a synthetic, polymer implant that is both biocompatible and biomedical. The device is designed to replicate the physical properties of articular cartilage and is made of a soft plastic-like substance, called polyvinyl alcohol, and salt water, or saline. To properly use the Cartiva SCI device, the damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with the implant. The low-friction implant surface is cartilage-like and durable while also providing pain relief and an improvement in both function and motion.