Cartiva Implant Lawsuit
Cartiva Implant Lawsuit claims are rising as patients report pain, implant failure, and repeat surgeries after receiving the device. Many say the implant caused serious problems like swelling, limited mobility, and bone damage. Lawsuits accuse the manufacturer of failing to warn about these risks. If you or a loved one were harmed by a Cartiva implant, you may qualify for compensation. Get a free case review today to see if you’re eligible.

This is an Active Lawsuit

- Last Updated
Possible Compensation:
- $50.000 - $250.000
Key Cartiva Implant Lawsuit Takeaways
The Cartiva implant lawsuit targets the makers of the synthetic cartilage toe implant for creating a defective medical device that causes more harm than relief.
Lawsuits claim the Cartiva toe implant fails at a high rate, leading to severe toe pain, limited mobility, bone loss, and the need for revision surgery or joint fusion—often within months of the original procedure.
Many Cartiva patients report persistent pain, implant loosening, or the device breaking inside the joint. These problems have resulted in serious medical expenses, missed work, and permanent joint damage.
The device was marketed as a simple, long-term solution for big toe arthritis, but patients were not warned about the real risk of failure or the lack of long-term safety data.
You can file a Cartiva toe implant lawsuit on your own or join others in a class action to seek compensation for your pain and suffering, lost income, and the cost of corrective surgeries.
Potential settlements may range from $20,000 to over $250,000, depending on the severity of your complications and the strength of your medical records.
To qualify, you must show that you received the Cartiva implant, suffered complications, and had worsening symptoms or additional medical procedures because the implant failed.
A skilled Cartiva implant lawyer can review your case, gather your medical records, and guide you through the legal process. Get a free consultation to see if you’re eligible for compensation.
Monthly Cartiva Implant Lawsuit Updates (Timeline)
Below, we provide the latest updates on the Cartiva lawsuit, including recalls, legal actions, and settlement progress. Stay informed about key events that could impact your eligibility for compensation.
A man from Pittsburgh has stepped forward with a lawsuit after receiving two Cartiva implants in 2019. Unfortunately, due to ongoing pain and loss of mobility, both implants had to be removed just three years later. His case adds to the increasing number of lawsuits from patients who are experiencing complications after their implants.
In Maryland, a plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against Cartiva, Stryker, and Wright Medical over a failed Cartiva implant that was placed in 2021. The lawsuit claims there were design and manufacturing defects, leading to severe pain, swelling, and ultimately, the need for revision surgery. It also accuses the companies of misleading the FDA and not issuing a timely recall, despite a reported failure rate exceeding 60%.
Stryker has announced a recall of all Cartiva implants sold since 2016 due to a staggering failure rate of up to 79%. A recent study indicates that patients with Cartiva implants are 30 times more likely to require reoperation compared to those who undergo joint fusion. Cartiva implant patients are encouraged to report any symptoms they experience. This recall has sparked a surge of new lawsuits and heightened calls for fair settlements.
A study conducted by King’s College Hospital reveals that the reoperation rate for Cartiva is 29.4%, while traditional joint fusion boasts a 0% rate. This finding challenges the claims that Cartiva provides better outcomes. Lawsuits are arguing that manufacturers failed to adequately inform patients about these risks, leading many to undergo painful and unnecessary procedures.
Table of Contents
What Is the Cartiva Implant?
The Cartiva implant is a synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) specifically designed to tackle big toe arthritis, which is also known as hallux rigidus. Many doctors suggest it as a less invasive alternative to traditional joint fusion surgery, which permanently locks the joint in place. The main aim of the Cartiva toe implant is to relieve pain while keeping the big toe joint mobile.
It was promoted as an easy, minimally invasive option with a quicker recovery time. However, a number of patients who received the Cartiva implant have reported ongoing pain, issues with the implant loosening, and even serious complications. These concerns have led to an increasing number of lawsuits related to the Cartiva implant.
How Does the Cartiva Implant Function?
The Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant is a specially molded cylindrical device made from a hydrogel material. It’s designed to mimic natural cartilage, helping to absorb pressure in the toe joint and alleviate pain.
During the implant surgery, the device is inserted into the big toe joint to cushion the bones and allow for movement. Unlike joint fusion, the Cartiva SCI was intended to preserve flexibility.
However, there have been reports of implant failures, nerve damage, and worsening symptoms. Many patients have found themselves needing revision surgery or even a big toe fusion surgery after their Cartiva implant didn’t work as expected. These complications have led to a significant number of lawsuits against the manufacturer of the Cartiva toe implant.
Common Cartiva Implant Problems
Many patients who have received the Cartiva
cartiva synthetic cartilage implant have reported some pretty serious issues with this synthetic cartilage device. Although the implant was designed to alleviate pain and maintain joint mobility, it has unfortunately led to complications for a significant number of individuals.
Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:
- Ongoing or intense pain in the big toe joint following surgery
- Loosening, shifting, or dislocation of the molded cylindrical implant
- Cartiva implant failure, which often necessitates further surgeries or even complete joint fusion
Some patients have found that their symptoms have actually worsened, despite the implant being marketed as a safer alternative to traditional fusion surgery. As a result, many are now seeking legal action against the medical device manufacturer, claiming that they produced a defective product.
Symptoms of a Failed Cartiva Implant
If your Cartiva big toe implant has failed, you might experience:
- Swelling, stiffness, or sharp pain in the joint
- Trouble walking or getting back to your usual daily activities
- Bone loss, nerve damage, or the need for revision surgery
The implant breaking, shifting, or deteriorating within the joint (implant fracture)
Patients dealing with these negative outcomes from the Cartiva toe implant may be eligible for compensation. A Cartiva toe implant lawyer can assist you in gathering medical records, assessing your case, and clarifying your rights.
Is the Cartiva Implant Still on the Market?
Yes, the Cartiva toe
cartiva synthetic cartilage implant is still available and has kept its original FDA approval. However, there are growing concerns among patients and healthcare providers due to reports of
cartiva synthetic cartilage implant failures, ongoing pain, and severe discomfort following surgery.
As of now, there hasn’t been an official recall of the Cartiva implant. Yet, with more patients coming forward about their complications, legal pressure is increasing. Some are calling on the FDA and the manufacturer to take a closer look at the implant’s safety and effectiveness.
If you’re dealing with new or worsening symptoms after getting the Cartiva implant, you might have grounds for legal action.
What Are the Lawsuits Claiming?
The rising number of lawsuits related to the Cartiva implant claim that the manufacturer of this specially designed device:
- Did not adequately inform doctors and patients about the high risk of failure
- Misled patients regarding the long-term outcomes and benefits
- Put a defective medical device on the market without proper safety evaluations
- Knew—or should have known—that the implant could lead to significant pain, device failure, and the need for further surgeries
Many of these lawsuits argue that the Cartiva device was marketed as a safer option compared to traditional fusion surgery for treating big toe arthritis, but unfortunately, it has left many patients with worse results.

This is an Active Lawsuit
Who Qualifies to File a Cartiva Implant Lawsuit?
If you received the Cartiva toe implant and later found yourself dealing with ongoing pain, severe discomfort, or the need for more surgeries, you might just be eligible. Many patients were led to believe that this device would help maintain their joint mobility, but unfortunately, many have experienced the opposite—adverse effects and worsening symptoms.
You could qualify if:
- You had the Cartiva toe implant inserted after it received FDA approval (2016 or later).
- You required revision surgery or a full joint fusion because the implant failed.
- You faced severe pain, limited movement, or other complications linked to the implant.
- Your symptoms didn’t improve, or even got worse, after the procedure.
Even though there hasn’t been a Cartiva Toe Implant recall, patients all over the U.S. have already taken legal action. If you find yourself in this situation, you might be able to join them.
What Evidence Will You Need?
To back up your Cartiva lawsuit, you’ll need solid documentation that shows how the medical device caused you harm. This includes:
- Medical records detailing when and where the specially molded implant was placed.
- Notes from your healthcare providers about any ongoing pain, complications, or additional surgeries you’ve had.
- Proof of implant failure, which could be imaging results, surgical reports, or written opinions from medical professionals.
- A personal timeline outlining your symptoms, surgeries, and how your life has been impacted.
- Receipts or bills for medical expenses related to the failed implant.
What Can You Expect from Cartiva Implant Lawsuit Settlements?
While the exact amounts can differ, estimates suggest that settlements typically range from $20,000 to $250,000. The final figure often hinges on the severity of your complications and the strength of your medical evidence. If your case involves multiple surgeries or permanent damage, you might be looking at even higher compensation.
If you’ve suffered due to a Cartiva toe implant, you could be eligible for financial compensation. Many patients have reported ongoing pain, intense discomfort in their toes, and negative outcomes that led to revision surgeries or even complete joint fusions.
Potential settlements in Cartiva implant failure lawsuits may cover:
- Medical expenses for revision surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up care
- Compensation for pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Lost wages due to time off work or decreased mobility
- Long-term disability or a diminished quality of life
How to File a Cartiva Implant Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit related to a Cartiva toe implant is easier than you might think—especially with the support of Legal Claim Assistant.
Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
- Start with a free consultation
- Share your story and symptoms with our team—there’s no cost and no pressure.
- We gather your medical information
- With your consent, we’ll collect records that detail the implant failure, any surgeries, and your recovery timeline.
- We connect you with Cartiva implant lawyers
- We’ll match you with a highly-rated attorney who specializes in defective medical device claims.
- You don’t pay unless you win
- There are no upfront fees. If your case settles, the lawyer’s fees will come from the settlement amount.
Legal Claim Assistant is here to help patients dealing with complications from Cartiva implants navigate the legal landscape. If you’ve already filed a Cartiva implant lawsuit or are considering joining others in seeking justice, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

This is an Active Lawsuit
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cartiva Lawsuit
If you’re considering a Cartiva toe implant lawsuit, you probably have questions. Below are clear, simple answers to help you understand your legal options and next steps.
Yes, the Cartiva toe implant is still FDA-approved and sold. There has been no official Cartiva implant recall, but concerns are growing due to reports of persistent pain and adverse outcomes.
Common signs include severe toe pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty walking, and the need for additional surgeries. Many Cartiva toe implant patients also report limited mobility or nerve pain.
Though promoted as a safe option to preserve joint mobility, real-world results show a higher-than-expected implant failure rate, especially compared to the existing fusion surgery technique.
Many patients suffering from failure must undergo revision surgery or switch to joint fusion. These procedures can be costly, painful, and involve long recovery times.
Each case is different, but the legal process can take several months to over a year. Strong documentation and a skilled lawyer can speed things up.
Not always. If you’re experiencing persistent pain or other complications, you may still qualify—even if revision surgery hasn’t happened yet.
With Legal Claim Assistant, you pay nothing upfront. We connect you with lawyers who only get paid if you win compensation. It’s 100% risk-free.

This is an Active Lawsuit