Cartiva Toe Implant Lawsuit Overview
The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) received FDA approval in 2016 as a motion-preserving alternative to fusion surgery for patients suffering from hallux rigidus, a form of arthritis affecting the big toe joint.
The device was marketed as a way to maintain joint movement while reducing pain, but thousands of implants were distributed before reports began emerging of device failures, revision surgeries, and poor long-term outcomes.
Patients are filing lawsuits against the Cartiva implant manufacturer, alleging that the device was defectively designed and that they were not adequately warned about the risks of failure and complications.
Many plaintiffs claim they experienced persistent pain after implantation, while others report that the implant sinks into surrounding bone, loosens over time, or begins implant slipping within the joint.
In numerous cases, the only corrective option was to have the Cartiva implant removed and undergo revision surgery or fusion of the toe joint.
The litigation gained momentum following the Cartiva recall announced in October 2024.
The recall was prompted by post-market reports indicating that the Cartiva implant was failing at rates significantly higher than those represented during the initial FDA approval process.
The FDA’s recall notice identified risks including fragmentation, subsidence, and displacement of the implant.
Subsidence occurs when the implant sinks into the surrounding bone, while displacement refers to movement from its intended position within the joint.
As lawsuits increased nationwide, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized federal Cartiva cases on February 5, 2026, creating MDL No. 3172 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The MDL allows federal courts to coordinate discovery and pretrial proceedings involving common factual allegations concerning the design, testing, marketing, and safety of the Cartiva implant.
Cartiva lawsuits allege that Cartiva, Wright Medical, and Stryker failed to adequately research the long-term performance of the device and neglected to warn physicians and patients about known risks.
Plaintiffs further allege that Cartiva and Stryker were aware of elevated failure rates but continued to market the implant using inaccurate or incomplete performance data.
Medical evidence cited in litigation includes adverse event reports, revision surgery findings, post-market surveillance data, and published studies documenting substantial rates of implant failure and conversion to fusion procedures.
Allegations in Cartiva Implant Lawsuits include:
- Defective Design and Manufacturing: Plaintiffs allege the implant was prone to subsidence, loosening, displacement, and material degradation, resulting in significant pain and additional surgeries.
- Misrepresentation of Safety and Efficacy: Manufacturers are accused of overstating success rates and presenting performance data that did not accurately reflect real-world outcomes.
- Failure to Warn: Lawsuits claim patients and healthcare providers were not adequately informed about risks including implant failure, revision surgery, fragmentation, subsidence, and displacement.
- Regulatory Non-Compliance: Plaintiffs allege the manufacturers failed to meet obligations related to quality control, post-market surveillance, and reporting of adverse events.
- Negligence: Cartiva lawsuits allege the companies failed to adequately study the long-term performance of the device and failed to act appropriately after receiving reports of complications and failures.
Individuals who have experienced adverse outcomes with the Cartiva implant, such as persistent pain, implant displacement, or the need for additional surgical interventions, are pursuing legal action to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Cartiva Toe Implant Lawsuits aim to hold the manufacturers accountable for the alleged defects and failures associated with the Cartiva SCI.
If you or a loved one suffered complications, significant pain, device failure, or other health problems related to the Cartiva toe implant, you may be eligible to file a Cartiva Implant Lawsuit and seek compensation.
Contact a Cartiva Toe Implant Lawyer from TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.
Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify to join others filing Cartiva Implant Failure Lawsuits instantly.
What Devices are Included in the Cartiva Toe Implant Recall?
In response to mounting evidence and patient complaints, Stryker Corporation, which acquired Cartiva, Inc., issued a recall of the Cartiva SCI in October 2024.
This recall encompassed all sizes of the implant sold since July 2016 and was prompted by higher-than-expected rates of complications, including implant failure and the necessity for revision surgeries.
The recall specifically includes the following Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) devices:
- CAR-06-US: Cartiva SCI 6mm
- CAR-08-US: Cartiva SCI 8mm
- CAR-10-US: Cartiva SCI 10mm
- CAR-12-US: Cartiva SCI 12mm
These devices were distributed from July 2016 to October 2024.
What Companies are Named in the Cartiva Implant Lawsuit?
The Cartiva implant was originally developed and marketed by Cartiva, Inc., a medical device company focused on orthopedic solutions.
In 2018, Cartiva, Inc. was acquired by Wright Medical Group N.V., which then took over the manufacturing and distribution of the device.
Two years later, Wright Medical was purchased by Stryker Corporation, a global medical technology company that now assumes liability for the implant’s ongoing issues.
As a result, multiple companies are being named in lawsuits related to the failed Cartiva implant.
Companies Named in Cartiva Implant Lawsuits:
- Cartiva, Inc.
- Wright Medical Group N.V.
- Stryker Corporation (Stryker B.V.)
Injuries Linked to Cartiva Implant Device Failures
The Cartiva implant was developed to mimic natural cartilage and provide long-term relief from arthritis in the big toe joint.
However, many patients have reported serious complications after receiving the device.
One of the most common Cartiva implant problems is that the material, polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, shrinks after implantation, causing the device to loosen and shift.
This migration often leads to joint instability, nerve damage, and severe toe pain.
The implant’s failure to integrate properly can also result in bone erosion, inflammation, and loss of mobility.
In many cases, the pain experienced after surgery is worse than before, forcing patients to undergo revision procedures such as toe fusion.
Some individuals develop infections, joint cysts, or abnormal bone growth due to the body’s reaction to the deteriorating implant.
These complications have raised significant safety concerns and prompted widespread litigation against the device’s manufacturers.
Injuries Linked to Cartiva Implant Device Failures:
- Severe pain in the big toe joint
- Nerve damage and loss of sensation
- Implant loosening or migration
- Bone erosion and joint instability
- Development of cysts or granulomas
- Infections at the surgical site
- Limited range of motion or joint stiffness
- Revision surgery, including toe fusion
- Persistent inflammation and swelling
- Implant fracture or material breakdown
Cartiva Implant Failure Symptoms
Recognizing the early signs of a failed Cartiva implant is important for addressing complications before they worsen.
Patients with failed Cartiva implants often report symptoms such as swelling, difficulty walking, and loss of joint function, which can lead to further surgical interventions.
If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to permanent damage or the need for additional corrective procedures.
Patients experiencing the following symptoms should speak with their doctor as soon as possible:
- New or worsening pain in the big toe joint
- Swelling or inflammation around the implant site
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot
- A feeling of instability or looseness in the joint
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the toe
- Grinding, popping, or clicking sensations during movement
- Redness or warmth in the toe joint area
- Numbness or tingling, suggesting possible nerve damage
These symptoms may indicate implant migration, joint damage, or failure of the device itself.
Early evaluation and treatment may help reduce further injury and prevent long-term complications.
Do You Qualify for the Cartiva Implant Lawsuit?
If you received a Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) and later experienced complications, you may qualify for the Cartiva implant lawsuit.
The device was FDA approved in 2016 based on limited clinical trials, but many patients say their real-world experience did not reflect the data presented during the initial FDA approval process.
Individuals who suffered implant failure, required revision surgery, or endured ongoing pain after implantation may have a valid legal claim.
The Cartiva implant was marketed as a modern alternative to the existing fusion surgery technique used to treat big toe arthritis.
Unlike traditional joint fusion, the implant was supposed to preserve joint mobility while reducing pain.
However, recent medical research suggests that the implant may carry a much higher risk of failure than previously disclosed.
If you’ve undergone surgery to correct issues with your Cartiva implant or are experiencing worsening symptoms, you could be entitled to compensation.
A legal review can help determine if your case meets the criteria to join the growing number of Cartiva implant lawsuits being filed nationwide.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation, or use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the Cartiva Lawsuit instantly.
Gathering Evidence for Cartiva Implant Failure Lawsuits
Strong evidence is essential to building a successful Cartiva Toe Implant Lawsuit.
Medical records, surgical notes, and proof of complications can help establish that the device failed and caused harm.
This documentation also connects your injuries to the implant, supporting claims of negligence or product defects.
The more detailed and organized your evidence, the stronger your case may be when seeking compensation.
Evidence in a Cartiva Toe Implant Case may include:
- Medical records from your original Cartiva implant surgery
- Post-operative reports showing complications or device failure
- Imaging scans (X-rays, MRIs) confirming implant displacement or damage
- Notes or testimony from your treating physician
- Records of revision or fusion surgeries following the implant
- Documentation of pain, mobility loss, or other ongoing symptoms
- Correspondence with the manufacturer or your healthcare provider
- Any reports filed with the FDA or mentions of the Cartiva implant recall
- Receipts or records of medical expenses and lost income related to your injuries
Damages in a Cartiva Lawsuit
In a lawsuit, “damages” refer to the financial compensation a plaintiff seeks for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by a defective product or negligent action.
In the case of Cartiva implant failure lawsuits, damages aim to address the significant impact the failed device has had on the patient’s health, quality of life, and finances.
Compensation can be awarded for both economic losses—such as medical bills—and non-economic losses, like chronic pain or emotional distress.
Damages in a Cartiva Toe Implant Case may include:
- Costs of revision or corrective surgeries
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity due to limited mobility
- Pain and suffering caused by severe or chronic joint pain
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or long-term impairment resulting from joint damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to travel for medical care
TorHoerman Law: Cartiva Implant Lawyers
If you or a loved one received a Cartiva big toe implant and are now experiencing severe pain, difficulty walking, or signs of nerve damage, you are not alone.
Many patients were promised relief and mobility through this alternative to joint fusion surgery—only to suffer complications that made their condition worse.
At TorHoerman Law, our legal team is actively reviewing claims on behalf of individuals harmed by the Cartiva implant and holding manufacturers accountable for the injuries caused.
TorHoerman Law is prepared to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
We understand the toll a failed implant can take on your life—physically, emotionally, and financially—and we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Whether you’re dealing with ongoing pain, mobility issues, or have already undergone revision surgery, our firm is ready to help.
Contact a Cartiva Toe Implant Lawyer from TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
You may be eligible to file a claim and recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a Cartiva Lawsuit instantly.
