Using the concept of an implant acting as a spacer and stabilizer, the proposed study will evaluate the use of allograft knee meniscus in the treatment of MTP joint osteoarthritis of the great toe.

A variety of surgical procedures have been developed for the treatment of MTP joint osteoarthritis of the great toe. Using the concept of an implant acting as a spacer and stabilizer, the proposed study will evaluate the use of allograft knee meniscus in the treatment of MTP joint osteoarthritis of the great toe. Patients will be evaluated for pain and range of motion at 3-months, 6-months, 1-year, 2-years, 3-years, 4-years, and 5-years postoperatively or until allograft failure. Stability of the allograft will be evaluated by the surgeon at these time points per radiographic imaging.

Inclusion Criteria:

• symptomatic of stage 3 osteoarthritis of the great toe
• symptoms recalcitrant to nonoperative management as determined clinically by the principal investigator

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes mellitus
• kidney insufficiency
• oa in the adjacent joints
• malignancy with in the past 10 yrs
• minors (< 18 yrs of age)
• pregnant women and fetus
• mentally disabled or cognitively impaired individuals

5 years postoperative

Allograft failure (dissolution) and obliteration of the MTP joint space found in 29% of subjects within 2 years of follow-up; therefore study was discontinued. No data collected for later time points.