Dr. Ayesha Cheema is a primary care doctor with Mercy Personal Physicians at Columbia. She offers experienced and thoughtful primary care for adults of Howard County.
Knee replacement surgery is offered at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. The orthopedic team at Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy offer innovative technology for knee replacement surgery.
The Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Center offers physician expertise with a dedication to advanced treatments for shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions.
Mercy offers emergency care on the Downtown Baltimore campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (410-332-9477) with access to a trained emergency medicine team, diagnostic services and consultations with specialists.
In case of an Emergency, Dial 911 and follow the instructions of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) team.
Mercy Medical Center's downtown campus includes our Main Hospital - The Mary Catherine Bunting Center, McAuley Plaza and The Weinberg Center.
General visiting hours at Mercy are 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. Hours vary by floor, please check with the nursing staff or call 410-332-9555.
Synthetic Cartilage Implant
Treatment for Big Toe Arthritis
Mercy Medical Center was the first hospital in Maryland to offer the Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant, a new surgical treatment for arthritis of the big toe, also known as hallux rigidus.
The Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant is an alternative to toe fusion surgery. It provides reduced pain with the added benefit of preservation of movement within the joint.
The Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant is a small cylindrical plug which is inserted between the two sides of the arthritic joint providing a durable, low-friction surface for the big toe to move with less pain. With similar properties to actual cartilage, the synthetic material replaces part of the damaged cartilage in the toe joint.
Toe fusions are known to reduce pain in the joint, however, after a toe fusion the patient is no longer able to move or bend the joint, which can affect everyday activities like walking and balancing.
The synthetic cartilage implant surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. It reduces pain and also allows patients to retain movement in the big toe joint. Recent research studies have shown that the reduction in pain is similar in both toe fusion and synthetic implant surgery.
Additionally, synthetic cartilage implant surgery allows the patient to walk on the foot much sooner. With no cast required, the patient can bear weight on the foot almost immediately.
Big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus) is the most common arthritic condition of the foot. It can be very painful and hinder activities like walking and running.
Patients who experience persistent pain in the joint and limited motion should consult with an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist. If these symptoms are not improved with non-surgical interventions the patient may be a candidate for the Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant surgery.
Marilyn loves being out of pain and back to long walks and yoga after big toe arthritis surgery with Dr. Clifford Jeng.
Dr. Rebecca Cerrato, a Board Certified orthopedic surgeon at The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy, is highly regarded for her expertise in foot and ankle disorders.
Remember the acronym RICE when you sprain your ankle: rest, ice, compression, elevation. When pain persists after a day, see a doctor.