Cartiva Toe Implant Failures: Your Path to Justice Starts Here

Cartiva Lawsuit

For countless patients seeking relief from big toe arthritis, the Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) promised a revolutionary solution—pain relief and preserved mobility without the drawbacks of traditional fusion surgery. Marketed by Cartiva, Inc. (now part of Stryker Corporation), this gel-like device was meant to replace damaged cartilage in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Yet, for many, that promise has turned into a nightmare of persistent pain, implant failure, and costly revision surgeries.

At Bailey, Javins, and Carter, LC, we’re committed to holding manufacturers accountable when their products harm rather than heal, and the Cartiva SCI is a troubling example of such a failure.

If you or a loved one has suffered complications from a Cartiva implant, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us today at 800-497-0234 for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

The Cartiva SCI: A Flawed Solution

The Cartiva implant, made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, was introduced as a minimally invasive alternative to toe fusion for hallux rigidus—a condition causing stiffness and pain due to arthritis. Inserted surgically into the big toe joint, it aimed to cushion the bones and maintain flexibility. FDA-approved in 2016, it gained traction among patients hoping to avoid the rigidity of fusion.

However, independent studies and patient reports have since revealed a stark reality: the implant fails in roughly two-thirds of cases, leading to complications like shrinkage, loosening, or migration. On October 31, 2024, a recall was issued due to these alarmingly high failure rates, but questions linger about why action wasn’t taken sooner.

Common Complications of Cartiva Toe Implants

Patients with Cartiva implants have reported a range of debilitating issues:

• Implant Failure: The device can fracture, dislocate, or sink into the bone (subsidence), often necessitating additional surgery.
• Persistent Pain: Some experience worse pain than before, possibly from inflammation, nerve damage, or the body rejecting the implant.
• Limited Mobility: Instead of restoring movement, a failed implant can make walking or wearing shoes excruciating.
• Additional Surgeries: Many patients face revision procedures—sometimes fusion surgery—to correct the damage, piling on medical costs and recovery time.
• Infection: Loose or broken implants can increase infection risk, requiring antibiotics or further intervention.

These complications have shattered the trust patients placed in Cartiva, Inc., sparking lawsuits nationwide as affected individuals demand accountability. 

Legal Claims Against Cartiva, Inc.

Lawsuits, including one filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, allege that Cartiva, Inc. knew about these defects but continued marketing the SCI without adequate warnings. Claims include:

• Design Defects: The implant’s material or structure may be inherently flawed, unable to withstand joint stresses.
• Failure to Warn: Cartiva allegedly withheld data on adverse events, leaving patients and doctors uninformed about risks.
• Negligence: By prioritizing profits over safety, the company is accused of violating consumer protection laws.

The recall notice instructed healthcare providers to quarantine remaining implants and monitor patients closely—suggesting prior awareness of the device’s shortcomings. At Bailey, Javins, and Carter, LC, we believe such negligence demands justice.

The Toll on Patients

Beyond physical pain, Cartiva’s failures impose emotional and financial burdens. Revision surgeries rack up bills, while limited mobility disrupts daily life—walking, working, or simply enjoying time with family. For example, patients like Robert Connor of Chevy Chase, Maryland, (featured in a prominent lawsuit), illustrate the human cost of this defective product. As litigation grows, it’s clear this isn’t an isolated issue but a widespread problem affecting hundreds, if not thousands, of implant recipients.

Pursuing a Cartiva Lawsuit

Filing a product liability lawsuit involves proving the implant was defective, caused your injuries, and resulted in damages like medical expenses or lost wages. Our experienced attorneys can gather medical records, consult experts, and build a case. Time is of the essence though. Legal deadlines vary by state and can limit your ability to seek justice, so acting promptly is very important.

Contact Bailey, Javins, and Carter, LC, and Take Your First Step Toward Securing Justice

If you’ve suffered from ongoing pain, limited mobility, or the need for revision surgery after a Cartiva toe implant, you don’t have to face this ordeal alone. At Bailey, Javins, and Carter, LC, we’re at the forefront of this litigation, we are currently accepting cases. Our team is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve for medical costs, pain, and suffering.

Please contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options and how we can fight for you.