Did You Experience Complications After Receiving a Cartiva Toe Implant?
If you received a Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) to treat arthritis in your big toe and later experienced ongoing pain, implant failure, or required additional surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. Schwaba Law Firm is investigating claims involving the Cartiva implant and its manufacturer.
Our attorneys represent individuals who have suffered injuries caused by dangerous or defective medical devices. If you believe a Cartiva implant caused you harm, contact Schwaba Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation.
What Is the Cartiva Implant?
The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) is a synthetic hydrogel implant designed to treat hallux rigidus, a form of arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the big toe.
The implant was marketed as a motion-preserving alternative to joint fusion surgery. Rather than permanently fusing the toe joint, Cartiva was intended to reduce pain while allowing patients to maintain mobility and return to their normal activities.
Unfortunately, many patients have reported that the implant failed to perform as expected, resulting in continued pain, loss of mobility, and additional surgeries.
Why Are Cartiva Lawsuits Being Filed?
Patients across the country have filed lawsuits alleging that the Cartiva implant was defectively designed and that patients were not adequately warned about the risk of failure and serious complications.
These lawsuits generally allege that the manufacturer:
- Failed to adequately warn physicians and patients about known risks
- Marketed the implant as a safe alternative to joint fusion despite higher-than-expected failure rates
- Failed to provide accurate information regarding long-term performance
- Sold a product that allegedly caused unnecessary pain, revision surgery, and permanent complications
Every case is different, and not every patient who received a Cartiva implant will have a legal claim.
Common Cartiva Implant Complications
Patients have reported a variety of complications following Cartiva implantation, including:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Implant failure
- Implant subsidence (sinking into the bone)
- Implant loosening
- Implant shrinkage
- Bone loss
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty walking
- Need for revision surgery
- Conversion to toe fusion surgery
Many patients who chose Cartiva specifically to avoid fusion surgery ultimately required that procedure after the implant failed.
Has the Cartiva Implant Been Recalled?
Yes. In 2024, the FDA announced a Class II recall involving all lots of the Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant distributed between July 2016 and October 2024 after post-market data identified higher-than-expected rates of device removal, revision surgery, implant subsidence, pain, fragmentation, and other complications.
A recall does not automatically mean every patient has a legal claim, but it may be an important factor when evaluating whether the implant contributed to your injuries.
Who May Qualify for a Cartiva Implant Lawsuit?
You may qualify to pursue a claim if:
- You received a Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant.
- You experienced ongoing pain, stiffness, swelling, or loss of function after surgery.
- Your implant failed or your physician diagnosed complications related to the device.
- You underwent revision surgery, implant removal, or toe fusion.
- Your doctor has recommended additional surgery because the implant has failed.
Even if you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to the implant, our attorneys can review your medical history to determine whether you may have a claim.
What Evidence Can Help Support a Claim?
Helpful documentation may include:
- Surgical records
- Medical records
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs)
- Follow-up treatment records
- Revision surgery records
- Implant identification information
- Medical bills
- Documentation of lost wages
If you do not have these records, our legal team may be able to help obtain them.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Individuals harmed by a defective Cartiva implant may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Revision surgery
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The compensation available depends on the facts of each individual case.
Current Cartiva Litigation
Federal Cartiva lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
An MDL is different from a class action. Each injured person maintains an individual lawsuit while certain pretrial proceedings are handled together to improve efficiency. The creation of the MDL allows courts to coordinate discovery and other common issues while preserving each person’s individual claim.
Why Choose Schwaba Law Firm?
Schwaba Law Firm has experience representing individuals injured by dangerous and defective medical devices.
When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- Free case evaluations
- No attorney fees unless we recover compensation
- Personal attention throughout your case
- Experienced product liability representation
Speak With a Cartiva Implant Lawyer Today
If you experienced complications after receiving a Cartiva implant, you may have legal options.
Schwaba Law Firm is currently reviewing Cartiva implant claims. Our attorneys can evaluate your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cartiva implant?
The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant is a synthetic implant used to treat arthritis of the big toe joint (hallux rigidus) while preserving joint motion.
Has the Cartiva implant been recalled?
Yes. The FDA announced a Class II recall affecting Cartiva implants distributed between July 2016 and October 2024 because of higher-than-expected complication rates.
Do I automatically have a lawsuit because my implant was recalled?
No. A recall does not automatically create a legal claim. Whether you have a case depends on factors such as your injuries, treatment history, and damages.
What if I haven’t had revision surgery yet?
You may still have a claim if you are experiencing ongoing pain or your physician believes your implant has failed. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your legal rights.
How much does it cost to speak with Schwaba Law Firm?
Your consultation is free, and we handle Cartiva implant cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
