However, toe arthritis can strike younger populations as well, especially athletes who subject their feet to stress and trauma on a regular basis. Recently, we heard the story of a young man who needed to undergo the operation in order to get back out on the court. Cartiva not only helped him resume his playing career, but it also helped him reach his full potential.
Aaron McFarland’s Story
Aaron McFarland’s basketball career came to an abrupt halt after the first game of his junior season. As he describes it, he landed awkwardly on the court, and he knew something was wrong with his left big toe.
“My right foot landed on the court. My left foot landed on the drop-off, and it jammed so hard, it tore the ligament in my left big toe,” said McFarland. “Well, I thought instantly that I broke my foot, and I thought it was over.”
The ligament tear eventually led to the onset of big toe arthritis in his left toe, making every step painful. In order to get back on the basketball court, McFarland was told he would need surgery. Doctors explained to him the difference between a standard fusion operation, which would address the pain but limit the mobility in his toe, or a newer procedure known as the Cartiva implant, which uses a synthetic polymer that mimics the motion of a healthy toe joint.
Dr. Michael Campbell of Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists performed the fifteen minute operation, and McFarland was back walking on his left foot the same day. Two months after the surgery, he was back to game speed.
“I felt like I had a whole new foot and I was just ready to go,” McFarland said.
McFarland entered his senior season with a clean bill of health, and he didn’t just play, he thrived. He finished the season with All-American honors, and he credits his ability to get back on the court to the Cartiva implant.
The Cartiva implant is designed to last more than 10 years, and costs roughly $2,500. That being said, most insurance companies cover the cost of the implant.
