The Cartiva implant story is a sad one. It raised people’s hopes. In the end, the Cartiva implant failed illustrating several problems with the medical device industry.

People suffering from arthritis and other painful conditions effecting their big toe have a few options. They can use a medical device called a toe implant. Doctors may fuse their bones. They may use more conservative and traditional pain-relieving methods. For those who chose the Cartiva toe implant, many suffer.

KBA has investigated Cartiva implant failures for years. Continue reading to learn about Cartiva implant symptoms. KBA is the leading firm when it comes to Cartiva. We handle the cases ourselves; we do not refer them to other firms. We have worked with experts, hundreds of clients, and we develop each case individually. Learn more at our Cartiva page.

Cartiva: from Cartiva Implant to Cartiva Lawsuit and Cartiva Recall

Stryker recalled the Cartiva implant. Learn more about the Cartiva recall here.

The Cartiva Toe Implant Saga is Coming to an End – The Cartiva Toe Implant Recall

Now is the time to assess your legal rights if you had a Cartiva implant. Work with the law firm who works directly with the medical experts, with clients, and litigates medical device cases regularly.

Cartiva Toe Implant Failure: What You Should Know

Big toe arthritis, AKA hallux rigidus, is a condition that can lead to excruciating chronic pain, making it difficult to walk, stand, or apply even the slightest pressure on said toe. It’s a particularly pervasive condition among older adults – according to the Cleveland Clinic, big toe arthritis affects roughly 1 in 40 individuals over the age of 50.

A company, Cartiva, made a toe implant to deal with this. Cartiva’s artificial cartilage implants are meant to cushion the big toe, alleviate the pain of hallux rigidus, and improve the toe’s range of motion. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case for every patient using Cartiva implants, and in 2022, a few of those patients came forward as plaintiffs in Cartiva lawsuits.

Within the last year, a number of plaintiffs filed civil product liability claims against the medical device company Cartiva, the developer of a popular synthetic cartilage implant, the Cartiva implant. These implants were sold and marketed as safe, suitable treatments to remedy the symptoms of big toe arthritis.

     What are the Cartiva Implant Lawsuits About?

Though Cartiva has explicitly labeled their products with a ten or less percent failure rate, the Plaintiffs’ Cartiva’s product failures have failed patients in serious ways, with serious health complications.

Despite all this, there has not been a Cartiva implant recall yet. Nonetheless, if you or a loved one was failed by Cartiva’s Synthetic Cartilage Implants, you might be entitled to compensation.

What Is A Cartiva Toe Implant?

Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implants (or SCIs for short) are cylindrical hydrogel implant devices. They resemble and replace the cartilage in the big toe joint space. Arthritis wears away and deteriorates joints over time. As such, many patients experience bone on bone grinding. Toe implants can replace the cartilage.

The synthetic cartilage is implanted through an orthopedic surgical procedure. The average Cartiva toe implant recovery time for most patients will typically span five to six weeks. Part of the appeal of this implant was that its recovery times were faster than the recovery times of metal big toe cartilage implants, and it could avoid or delay a fusion surgery. Unfortunately, that occurred for some patients, but not others.

While it’s true that these big toe implants came with a label warning of their “13.5%” failure rate, the evidence suggests worse post-market. The failure rate it much higher. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

For example, one lawsuit identifies 144 adverse reports. There are many more unreported. As but one estimate, the failure rate could be six to seven times higher than what the manufacturer purported.

Clinical evidence potentially indicates that Cartiva was under-reporting this failure rate too. In a 2-year study led by researchers from Cedar-Sinai Hospital, approximately 30% of the surveyed SCI recipients expressed feelings of dissatisfaction after undergoing the procedure. Nearly 24% of respondents were “very dissatisfied” with the procedure.

A different study, published in the journal Foot and Ankle Orthopedics, estimates that Cartiva’s synthetic cartilage implants could potentially have a 64% long-term failure rate. These synthetic implants were marketed as reliable, pain-relieving devices that patients could reliably expect to alleviate their big toe arthritis with minimal risk.

Sadly, the risks associated with Cartiva’s big toe SCI device are far from “minimal.”

Cartiva Implant Problems 

The consequences of Cartiva big toe implant errors can be devastating, debilitating, and greatly diminishing quality of life. At a minimum, failed Cartiva toe implants can slip out of a joint, painfully lodging into the bone, and may require further surgical intervention to relieve.

Ironically, defective Cartiva can nullify their original purpose. Rather than alleviating pain, Cartiva implants can exacerbate big toe pain and injury. The implant can necessitate even more surgery.

Plaintiffs filing lawsuits claim it has. Several have required two more surgeries after the Cartiva toe implant failed.  One ultimate outcome is an arthrodesis fusion surgery.

Big toe fusion surgery can offer long-term relief, but often following a painful weeks-long recovery process that could potentially sideline:

• Physical activity (like running or weight lifting);
• Working, especially in active jobs or job functions; and
• Dressing, such as wearing certain shoes (see this Mayo Clinic guide), and other daily living activities.

What are Cartiva Implant Symptoms? What are Potential Cartiva Toe Implant Injuries?

If you had a Cartiva SCI procedure, you may suffer from any of the following: 

• Nerve damage & numbness
• Loss of mobility in the toe
• Reduced range of motion
• Irritation & inflammation
• Bone production issues
• Severe toe and foot pain
• Big toe implant fracture
• Formation of toe cysts
• Big toe fusion surgery
• Lesions in the big toe
• Joint removal surgery
• Transfer metatarsalgia
• Infection

The physical, emotional, and financial a failed Cartiva can cost can be immense. Indeed, the last thing one wants after a procedure as expensive as a big toe surgery are more procedures, and more medical expenses. Likewise, based on past product and defective device lawsuits, we can reasonably expect that future Cartiva Toe Implant Lawsuit claims to continue. That said, legal issues like preemptions and statutes of limitations may impede recovery. Experienced product liability lawyers may be able to help.

A comparison of AI models concerning Cartiva Implant Failure Symptoms

We asked a couple, here’s what they identified as cartiva implant failure symptoms. (Remember, don’t rely on this as coming directly from AI)

“Cartiva implants are synthetic, flexible, and biocompatible devices used primarily in orthopedic surgery to treat osteoarthritis in the finger joints, specifically the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. They are designed to mimic the natural cartilage, providing cushioning and allowing for smoother joint movement. While Cartiva implants are generally considered safe and effective, like all medical devices, they can sometimes fail. Recognizing the symptoms of implant failure is crucial for timely medical intervention.

Symptoms of Cartiva Implant Failure

1. Persistent or Worsening Pain:
   • Location: Pain may be localized around the joint where the implant was placed.
   • Nature: It can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense discomfort.
   • Duration: Pain that does not improve over time or intensifies may indicate a problem.
2. Swelling and Inflammation:
   • Signs: Noticeable swelling around the affected joint.
   • Associated Symptoms: Redness, warmth, or tenderness in the area.
3. Reduced Joint Function and Mobility:
   • Stiffness: Difficulty in bending or straightening the finger.
   • Limited Range of Motion: Inability to move the joint as freely as before the implant.
   • Weakness: Decreased strength in the affected finger.
4. Instability or Joint Loosening:
   • Feeling of Instability: The joint may feel shaky or give way during movement.
   • Visible Deformity: Noticeable changes in the alignment or shape of the finger.
5. Signs of Infection:
   • Systemic Symptoms: Fever, chills, or general malaise.
   • Local Symptoms: Increased redness, pus discharge, or heightened pain around the implant site.
6. Mechanical Issues:
   • Implant Displacement: Movement or shifting of the implant from its original position.
   • Fragmentation: Breaking apart of the implant material within the joint.
7. Allergic Reactions:
   • Symptoms: Rash, itching, or other allergic responses near the implant site.
8. Persistent Swelling or Fluid Accumulation:
   • Effusion: Excess fluid buildup around the joint, causing persistent swelling.

Potential Causes of Cartiva Implant Failure

• Infection: Bacterial contamination can lead to implant failure.
• Mechanical Stress: Excessive force or repetitive motion may damage the implant.
• Biological Response: The body may react adversely to the implant material, leading to rejection or inflammation.
• Surgical Complications: Issues arising during the implant procedure can affect the longevity and functionality of the device.

What to Do If You Suspect Implant Failure

If you experience any of the above symptoms after receiving a Cartiva implant, it’s essential to consult your orthopedic surgeon or healthcare provider promptly. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent further complications and improve outcomes. Your doctor may perform a physical examination, imaging studies (such as X-rays or MRI), and laboratory tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and decide on the appropriate treatment.

Prevention and Maintenance

• Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Adhering to your surgeon’s guidelines after the procedure can minimize the risk of complications.
• Regular Check-Ups: Routine evaluations can help monitor the implant’s condition and address issues early.
• Avoid Excessive Stress: Protecting the implanted joint from undue strain can prolong its functionality.

The Cartiva Implant Recall

The company recalled the Cartiva implant. Unlike many medical device recalls, this one actually involved a market withdrawal. The Cartiva recall removed the Cartiva implant from the shelves, it should no longer be sold.

Conclusion

While Cartiva implants offer a promising solution for managing osteoarthritis in finger joints, being aware of the potential signs of implant failure is crucial for maintaining joint health and functionality. Always maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and report any unusual symptoms promptly to ensure the best possible outcomes.”

Second AI example of Cartiva Implant Failure Symptoms

I’ll explain the common symptoms that may indicate a Cartiva implant failure. The Cartiva implant is a synthetic cartilage device used primarily in big toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal joint) surgery.

Common symptoms of Cartiva implant failure include:

Pain and Discomfort
– Persistent or worsening pain in the treated joint, especially during movement
– Pain that returns after an initial period of relief following surgery
– Discomfort when wearing shoes or bearing weight

Physical Changes
– Reduced range of motion in the toe joint
– Stiffness that gets worse rather than better
– Swelling around the implant site
– Visible deformity or misalignment of the toe

Mechanical Issues
– Grinding, clicking, or popping sensations in the joint
– Feeling of instability when walking
– Implant displacement or subsidence (sinking into the bone)
– Difficulty performing activities that were previously manageable

Secondary Symptoms
– Development of bone spurs around the implant
– Inflammation in surrounding tissues
– Changes in gait pattern to compensate for toe pain
– Formation of bursitis or soft tissue irritation

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist for proper evaluation, as these issues may require revision surgery or alternative treatments.”

Consider KBA Attorneys For Your Cartiva Toe Implant Lawsuit

At KBA Attorneys, we have decades of combined professional experience in navigating these claims. If you or a loved one suffered orthopedic health complications resulting from a faulty Cartiva big toe implant, you might be eligible to file a legal claim. To learn more about our team and how we might be able to help you, contact our office by clicking here.