Frequently asked questions
The Accu-Joint® Implant is a medical device for the treatment of painful arthritic greater and lesser toe joints of the foot. The system has been developed to help maintain normal function and reduce pain. It’s purpose is to replicate the normal motion of your joint. The Accu-Joint® Implant is specifically designed to remove only the damaged cartilage, and replace it with a minimally invasive titanium implant designed to maximize motion.
This may be possible in selected cases of fusion that did not require a bone graft.
The Metatarsal Phalangeal (MTP) Joints are the joints where the foot meets the toes. MTP disorders are defined as a joint deformity or bone disease that results in an arthritic joint after a period of time. These disorders are often painful and make it difficult to put weight on your toes and move your joints.
- It is designed to replace the cartilage in your joint so that the natural movement of your toe is preserved as opposed to having a fusion, which eliminates the ability of your toe to bend.
- The Accu-Joint® is intended to be non-weight bearing and rely on the hard bone of your toe to support body weight, particularly during exercise when the weight of the body placed on your toes can double or even triple..
- The procedure is straightforward, usually takes less than an hour and patients are expected to begin putting weight on their toe soon after surgery.
The Accu-Joint® Implant has been developed to improve the ability of your toes to bend and move so that you can put weight on your foot and achieve an acceptable quality of life.
The Accu-Joint® Implant was approved by the FDA only recently, so it has not been available until now.
The Accu-Joint® Implant is designed to restore and preserve normal joint function and eliminate the pain, allowing normal everyday activity and quality of life. A joint fusion typically only eliminates joint pain and the result is you are unable to bend your toe in a normal fashion.
The procedure allows immediate weight bearing after surgery the recovery period is typically about 4-5 weeks.
Driving is allowed after 4-5 weeks of healing, if it involves the right foot. If it is the left foot, driving is allowed during the entire 5 week course of healing.
Typically 5 weeks if your career involves being on your feet actively. If your career is at a desk you can return in 3 days.
Surgical grade titanium, the least reactive and strongest metal used in surgery today.
The procedure is completed as an out-patient surgery with anesthesia. The surgery usually takes under an hour and your foot will be bandaged after the procedure. You will want to focus on elevation and limited activity for the next few days. Your surgeon may allow weight bearing in a special surgical shoe. As always, follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
This is possible in some cases but not all, depending on age, health and physical conditions.
No, only surgeons trained on the Accu-Joint® Implant can complete the surgery.
The Accu-Joint® Implant is FDA approved and accepted by many insurance carriers including Medicare. As all insurances vary, please discuss with your surgeon.