Synthetic Cartilage Implants For Joint Pain

Articular cartilage damage, either from a focal lesion or diffuse osteoarthritis (OA), can result in disabling pain. Cartilage is a hydrogel, comprised mostly of water with collagen and glycosaminoglycans, that does not typically heal on its own. There is a need for improved treatment options. In 2016, a synthetic polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel disc received marketing approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of degenerative or posttraumatic arthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. If proven successful for the treatment of the MTP joint, off-label use is likely.