Cartiva Implant Lawsuit
Patients With a Failed Cartiva Implant May Be Entitled to Compensation
Cartiva Implant Failure Linked to Serious Complications
The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant was marketed as a revolutionary, motion-preserving alternative to fusion surgery for big toe arthritis — but mounting evidence suggests these devices may be defectively designed and prone to early failure. Patients across the United States have reported severe pain, implant breakdown, loss of mobility, and the need for costly revision or fusion surgeries after receiving the device.
If you or a loved one received a Cartiva implant and subsequently suffered pain, implant failure, or required additional surgery, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Complete the secure form on this page for a free, confidential, no-obligation case review.
What Is the Cartiva Implant?
The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant is a small, cylindrical device made from a slippery, water-based polymer designed to mimic the function of natural cartilage in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint — commonly known as the big toe joint. It received FDA clearance in 2016 as a treatment for hallux rigidus, a form of arthritis that causes stiffness and pain in the big toe.
The device was promoted as a less invasive alternative to traditional big toe fusion surgery, with the key selling point being preserved range of motion after implantation. Manufactured by Cartiva, Inc. and later acquired by Stryker Corporation, the implant was widely adopted by orthopedic surgeons and marketed to patients seeking lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
The Problem With Cartiva Implants
Despite the promising marketing, real-world outcomes for many patients have fallen significantly short. Post-market studies and patient reports indicate that Cartiva implants may be defectively designed, making them prone to breakdown far sooner than represented.
Common complications associated with Cartiva implant failure include:
- Implant failure or breakdown — the polymer device deteriorates or collapses prematurely within the joint
- Severe or worsening pain — pain that is equal to or worse than pre-surgery levels
- Implant subsidence or dislocation — the device shifts, sinks, or moves out of proper position in the joint
- Bone loss or cyst formation — damage to surrounding bone tissue at the implant site
- Loss of mobility — persistent or worsening stiffness in the toe or foot
- Revision surgery — patients require a second procedure, often the very fusion surgery they sought to avoid, to correct the failed implant
For many patients, the failure of a Cartiva implant means enduring months or years of additional pain and disability — followed by a more complex and invasive corrective surgery than the original procedure.
Cartiva Implant Lawsuits
Medical device manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products before marketing them for public use. Failure to do so is considered negligent and grounds for litigation. Lawsuits allege that Cartiva, Inc. and Stryker Corporation knew or should have known about the high rate of implant failure, yet continued to market the device as a safe and durable long-term solution without adequate warnings to patients or physicians.
Who Qualifies for the Cartiva Lawsuit?
You may qualify to pursue a Cartiva implant lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Received a Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant in 2016 or later
- Experienced implant failure, severe pain, or loss of mobility following the procedure
- Required or received a recommendation for revision surgery or toe fusion surgery
- Received a medical finding of implant failure within 10 years of the original procedure
- Suffered financial losses, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life as a result of implant complications
If you qualify, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future), including revision surgery and rehabilitation
- Lost wages due to complications, disability, or time away from work
- Pain and suffering from failed surgery and prolonged recovery
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
How AWKO Can Help Patients With Failed Cartiva Implants
For over 25 years, the AWKO firm has successfully represented clients nationwide in cases involving injuries caused by defective medical devices, recovering billions of dollars in compensation. We have the resources, expertise, and dedication to take on major medical device manufacturers and demand accountability for the harm they have caused.
If you have experienced Cartiva implant failure, revision surgery, or ongoing complications, please contact us today or complete the “Free Case Evaluation” form on this page so that we may provide you with additional information about your legal rights.