Consumer Prices for Surgical Management of End-Stage Hallux Rigidus:

Background. Hallux rigidus is the most prevalent arthritic condition of the foot. Treatment of end-stage disease traditionally consists of a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis; however, the use of a synthetic cartilage implant is becoming more common. With the high prevalence of disease and implementation of new treatment modalities, health care consumers should be aware of the costs associated with management. The purpose of this study was to determine access to the cost and variability in price of first MTPJ arthrodesis and synthetic cartilage implantation. Methods. Forty academic centers were contacted using a standardized patient script. The patient was a 59-year-old female who had failed conservative treatment of hallux rigidus. Each institution was contacted up to 3 times in an attempt to obtain a full bundled operative quote for a first MTPJ arthrodesis and synthetic cartilage implantation. Results. Twenty centers (50%) provided a quote for first MTPJ arthrodesis and 15 centers (38%...