Arthritis is the loss of cartilage between two bones. When this occurs, bones rub against each other without padding. This can cause severe pain and deformity. Surgical treatment for this has included fusion of the two bones that rub, whereby they become one bone. This has a very high success rate to fix the problem. If bones don’t move, they can’t rub. If they don’t rub, they don’t hurt. HOWEVER, the recovery requires crutches and casting for 2 months, with no weight on the foot.

We at Maryland Foot & Ankle Associates have been using a small metallic implant that acts as an interface between the two bones in this type of condition. It has been well tolerated and successful and DOES NOT REQUIRE CASTING and CRUTCHES. Come see if you may be a candidate for this procedure.