Cartiva Lawsuit
The number of Cartiva lawsuit claims is on the rise as more patients share their experiences of pain, implant failures, and the need for additional surgeries. Many individuals are reporting that the device has caused significant harm and didn’t live up to the safety promises made. If you or a loved one have faced issues after getting a Cartiva toe implant, you might be entitled to compensation. Reach out for a free case review today to find out if you qualify.
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- Risks of Cartiva Implants: The synthetic cartilage implant has been linked to high failure rates, severe pain, and loss of mobility.
- Symptoms of Complications: Patients report swelling, stiffness, nerve damage, and the need for revision or fusion surgery after the implant fails.
- Ongoing Litigation: Cartiva’s manufacturers face lawsuits claiming they failed to warn patients about known risks and marketed a defective medical device.
- Possible Settlement: Compensation in Cartiva implant lawsuits may range from $20,000 to over $250,000, depending on injury severity and medical history.
Cartiva Lawsuit Update
At LawKarma, we make it a priority to keep our clients in the loop with the latest news on the Cartiva lawsuit. It’s crucial to stay updated on recalls, court decisions, settlements, and legal trends as this litigation evolves. Here are the latest updates on the Cartiva toe implant lawsuits.
March 2025
The first Cartiva toe implant lawsuit is officially headed to trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Pre-trial deadlines are in place, with jury selection scheduled for February 2026. This case could set a precedent for all future Cartiva lawsuits. Legal experts believe a mass settlement may occur before trial begins, especially as more evidence of failure and harm caused by the implant continues to surface in new cases.
February 2025
A man from Pittsburgh joined the growing list of Cartiva plaintiffs. He had two Cartiva toe implants placed in 2019 and suffered from chronic pain and mobility issues. Both implants had to be surgically removed just three years later. His lawsuit adds more pressure on Cartiva’s manufacturers, as it highlights the widespread issues and complications reported by patients who were promised long-term pain relief and joint mobility but ended up needing revision surgeries.
January 2025
A new federal lawsuit in Maryland claims that the Cartiva implant caused severe pain, swelling, and eventual failure after being placed in April 2021. The plaintiff required revision surgery to remove the implant and fuse the toe. The suit accuses Cartiva, Stryker, and Wright Medical of releasing a defective product and failing to warn about its high failure rate. It also alleges the companies misled the FDA and delayed issuing a recall despite growing reports of harm.
December 2024
Stryker issued a nationwide recall of all Cartiva toe implants sold since 2016. The recall followed alarming studies showing failure rates as high as 79%. Patients with the implant were 30 times more likely to need reoperation compared to those with traditional fusion. Physicians were instructed to stop using the device and monitor affected patients for complications like nerve damage, joint pain, and implant displacement. This recall triggered a major increase in Cartiva lawsuits across the U.S.
November 2024
A new study from King’s College Hospital showed Cartiva implants had a 29.4% reoperation rate compared to 0% for joint fusion. Patients reported no significant benefits in pain relief or function, but many required revision surgeries. This research adds strong evidence to ongoing lawsuits, suggesting the Cartiva implant may not be safer or more effective than traditional procedures. Plaintiffs argue that the device’s risks were hidden and that they were misled into choosing an unreliable product.
What’s the Cartiva Toe Implant All About?
The Cartiva toe implant is a medical device designed to help with big toe arthritis, commonly referred to as hallux rigidus. This Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) aims to alleviate pain and maintain flexibility in the toe joint. Many doctors suggest it as a simpler alternative to joint fusion surgery, which essentially locks the toe in a fixed position.
Approved by the FDA in 2016, the implant was promoted as a quick and less invasive option with a faster recovery time. However, a growing number of patients are now reporting issues like pain, swelling, and even implant failure. What was once hailed as a medical breakthrough is now facing increasing scrutiny, with lawsuits and safety concerns on the rise.
How Does the Cartiva Implant Function?
The Cartiva implant is a gel-like device made from a hydrogel material that mimics real cartilage. It’s designed in the shape of a small cylinder to absorb pressure in the toe joint and facilitate movement.
During the surgical procedure, the doctor creates a hole in the big toe joint and inserts the implant. The aim is to cushion the bones and alleviate pain while still allowing for motion.
Unlike joint fusion surgery, which sacrifices mobility to eliminate pain, the Cartiva implant was intended to maintain joint movement. Unfortunately, many patients have reported worsening symptoms, and some have even required additional surgery to either remove the implant or completely fuse the toe. This has led to hundreds of patients filing lawsuits related to the Cartiva implant.
Is the Cartiva Implant Still on the Market?
The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) was voluntarily recalled by Stryker on October 31, 2024, due to unexpectedly high failure rates and related complications. Even though the recall has taken place, some implants might still be out there or even implanted in patients. Healthcare providers have been instructed to stop using the product and return any unused units. If you’ve received the Cartiva implant, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider for evaluation and monitoring.
Why Are People Filing Cartiva Lawsuits?
People are taking legal action against the manufacturers of the Cartiva implant for a few key reasons:
- Failure to Warn About Risks: There are claims that the manufacturers didn’t properly inform patients and medical professionals about the potential risks and the high failure rates linked to the implant.
- Misleading Marketing Claims: The implant was promoted as a reliable and effective alternative to joint fusion surgery. However, many patients faced complications, leading to accusations that the marketing was misleading.
- Defective Design and Materials: Lawsuits argue that the design and materials of the implant are fundamentally flawed, which has contributed to its high failure rate and the necessity for additional surgeries.
- Non-Disclosure of High Failure Rates: It’s claimed that the manufacturers were aware of the high failure rates but failed to disclose this information to patients or the FDA in a timely manner.
These legal actions are aimed at holding the manufacturers accountable and seeking compensation for the damages and difficulties faced by patients.
Who Can File a Cartiva Lawsuit?
If you received a Cartiva implant after it was approved by the FDA in 2016 and have been dealing with pain, device failure, or limited mobility, you might be eligible for a Cartiva lawsuit. Many patients were led to believe they were getting a straightforward, long-lasting solution, only to find themselves needing revision surgery or even a complete toe fusion.
You could qualify if:
- You got the Cartiva toe implant between 2016 and 2024
- You’ve experienced ongoing pain, implant failure, or worsening symptoms
- You had to have revision surgery or another procedure to remove or replace the implant
- Your quality of life or mobility has been impacted by the device
Even if you haven’t had surgery yet, you might still be eligible if your symptoms align with known complications from the Cartiva implant. A free case review can help determine if you qualify.
What Evidence Can Boost Your Case?
To strengthen your Cartiva toe implant lawsuit, it’s a good idea to collect:
- Medical records that show when you had your implant surgery and any follow-up appointments
- X-rays or scans that illustrate the implant’s position, movement, or failure
- Documentation from any revision or fusion surgeries
- A timeline of your symptoms, including pain, stiffness, or trouble walking
- Receipts or bills for medical treatment, lost wages, or other related expenses
Having solid documentation is key to demonstrating that the Cartiva implant directly contributed to your health issues—and that you deserve fair compensation.
Cartiva Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
If you’ve experienced issues with a Cartiva toe implant, you might be entitled to some financial compensation. Numerous patients have stepped forward with claims after facing implant failures, intense pain, or the need for revision surgeries.
The estimated settlements in Cartiva lawsuits can vary widely, ranging from $20,000 to over $250,000, depending on the specifics of your situation.
Your potential payout could hinge on several factors:
- The severity of your injury and its long-term effects
- Whether you had to go through one or more revision surgeries
- The extent of pain and suffering you’ve endured
- Any lost income due to time off work or decreased mobility
- Medical bills and ongoing care needs
Every case is different, so the best way to gauge what your case might be worth is to kick things off with a free consultation.
Why Choose Legal Claim Assistant?
At Legal Claim Assistant, we simplify the process of connecting with skilled Cartiva implant lawyers who are well-versed in navigating these intricate cases.
Here’s why countless injured patients put their trust in us:
- Get expert advice without paying a single dollar.
- We connect you with top-rated lawyers who specialize in your case.
- Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if you get a settlement.
Don’t let legal issues hold you back.