Cartiva Toe Implant Lawsuits
Legal Help for Patients Experiencing Cartiva Implant Failures
The Cartiva® Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) was designed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the big toe joint (hallux rigidus). Marketed as a revolutionary alternative to joint fusion surgery, Cartiva promised faster recovery and lasting mobility.
Unfortunately, thousands of patients across the country have reported serious Cartiva implant failures, leading to renewed pain, joint damage, and additional surgeries. If you or a loved one suffered complications after receiving a Cartiva toe implant, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is the Cartiva Toe Implant?
The Cartiva implant is a small, gel-like synthetic plug made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and saline. It is placed in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint to cushion the bone and mimic natural cartilage. The manufacturer claimed the material was durable, biocompatible, and long-lasting.
However, mounting evidence suggests that many implants have failed far earlier than expected — sometimes within months of surgery.
Reported Cartiva Implant Complications
Patients have experienced a range of complications following Cartiva surgery, including:
Implant failure or collapse
Persistent or worsening joint pain
Loss of mobility or toe stiffness
Implant migration or loosening
Bone damage or cyst formation
Inflammation and swelling
Need for revision surgery or joint fusion
In some cases, imaging shows the Cartiva device shrinking or disintegrating, leaving a void in the joint and causing severe pain.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
Our firm represents individuals harmed by defective medical devices like the Cartiva implant.
We combine medical knowledge with legal experience to build strong, evidence-backed cases.
We provide:
Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
Comprehensive medical record review to document device failure
Expert collaboration with orthopedic specialists and biomedical engineers
Aggressive legal representation to pursue maximum compensation
We understand how frustrating it is to face new pain and surgeries after being told your first procedure was the solution. We are here to help you take the next step toward accountability and recovery.
Why Patients Are Filing Cartiva Lawsuits
Lawsuits allege that the manufacturer, Cartiva, Inc. (a subsidiary of Stryker Corporation), sold and marketed a defective medical device and failed to warn surgeons and patients about the risks of premature failure.
Plaintiffs claim that:
The device was not properly tested for long-term safety and durability.
The failure rate is significantly higher than reported in early clinical trials.
The manufacturer continued to market the implant despite evidence of poor outcomes.
Patients who have undergone revision surgeries often face long recovery times, loss of mobility, and lasting pain — impacts that may justify significant compensation.
Potential Compensation in Cartiva Lawsuits
Compensation may be available for:
Medical expenses (revision surgery, physical therapy, ongoing treatment)
Pain and suffering
Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
Permanent impairment or disability
Emotional distress
Each case is unique, and our firm can help determine what your claim may be worth.