Cartiva Toe Implant Recall Lawsuit
If you received a Cartiva toe implant and are still dealing with pain, stiffness, or a failed surgery, you are not alone. Many patients expected relief from arthritis in the big toe. Instead, they found themselves facing additional procedures, ongoing limitations, and uncertainty about what went wrong.
At mctlaw, we help people understand whether they have legal options if a medical device causes harm. Cartiva implant cases are not simple product claims. They often involve complex medical evidence, manufacturer decisions, and long-term outcomes that were not fully explained to patients. Contact our medical product recall lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit.
What Is the Cartiva Toe Implant and Why Was It Used?
The Cartiva implant is a synthetic cartilage device designed to treat arthritis in the big toe joint, also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint. It is made from a hydrogel material intended to mimic natural cartilage. Surgeons used it as an alternative to joint fusion. Instead of permanently locking the joint, the goal was to preserve motion while reducing pain.
For many patients, that promise was appealing. Joint fusion can limit movement and affect daily activities. The Cartiva implant was marketed as a way to maintain flexibility while still addressing arthritis-related pain.The device received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016 through the premarket approval process. Early clinical data suggested it could perform similarly to fusion in some cases. Over time, however, real-world outcomes began to tell a more complicated story.
Why Are Patients Filing Cartiva Implant Lawsuits?
All medical devices carry risk. The concern is whether the risks were higher than disclosed and whether the device performed as expected once widely used. Patients using the Cartiva implant have reported a pattern of complications, including:
- Persistent or worsening pain after surgery
- Loss of joint function or stiffness
- Implant subsidence, where the device sinks into the bone
- Loosening or instability of the implant
- Need for revision surgery, often requiring joint fusion
In many cases, patients were told this procedure would reduce pain and preserve motion. Instead, they experienced the opposite. While revision surgery is an option, it can be more complex than the original procedure and may lead to permanent limitations.
Does There Need To Be a Recall To File a Lawsuit?
A recall of the Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implants was issued by Stryker in October 2024. This action, classified as a Class II recall by the FDA, covered all Cartiva implants sold from 2016 through 2024.
For patients, the existence of this recall underscores that the device may not have been safe for its intended use. It is important to note that the lack of an earlier recall does not mean the device was safe in every case, nor does a recall prevent legal claims from moving forward. We represent individuals in product liability cases based on evidence of device failure, inadequate warnings, and the long-term performance data that eventually led to this regulatory action.
Free Case Evaluation for Cartiva Toe Implant
If serious injury occurred after a Cartiva Toe Implant, a legal claim may be possible.
mctlaw offers free case evaluations. The team will review the facts, explain potential options, and help determine the next steps.
Call, chat, or fill out our online form below to get started.
Common Complications Linked to Cartiva Implants
Understanding what went wrong starts with identifying the types of complications patients are experiencing. These are not minor, short-term reactions; they are ongoing problems that often require additional care.
Ongoing Pain and Reduced Mobility
Many patients report that pain did not improve after surgery. Some describe a different kind of pain, often deeper or more constant. Instead of gaining mobility, they feel limited in daily activities like walking, standing, or exercising.
Implant Subsidence
Subsidence occurs when the implant sinks into the bone. This can change how the joint functions and lead to instability or worsening symptoms. Imaging studies sometimes reveal this issue months after the procedure.
Device Loosening or Failure
In some cases, the implant does not remain securely in place. Loosening can cause mechanical problems within the joint, leading to pain and loss of function.
Need for Revision Surgery
When the implant fails, patients may need another surgery. Often, this involves removing the device and performing a joint fusion. That outcome is very different from what many patients originally chose. This is because revision procedures can be more invasive and may not fully restore function. For some patients, this becomes a long-term condition rather than a temporary setback.
What Makes Cartiva Implant Cases Complex?
Cartiva implant cases sit at the intersection of medicine, device design, and regulatory approval. Several factors make these claims more involved:
- The device was FDA approved
- Surgeons may have relied on manufacturer representations when recommending the implant
Legal claims often focus on whether the manufacturer:
- Provided complete and accurate information about risks
- Properly studied long-term outcomes
- Marketed the device in a way that matched real-world performance
These cases require careful review of medical records, surgical details, and post-operative outcomes. They also involve expert analysis to understand why the implant failed in a specific patient.
Who May Be Eligible to File a Cartiva Implant Claim?
Not every patient with a Cartiva implant will have a legal claim. The key question is whether the device caused harm beyond expected risks.
You may want to explore your options if:
- You had a Cartiva implant and continue to experience pain or stiffness
- Imaging or follow-up care showed implant failure or subsidence
- You required or were advised to undergo revision surgery
- Your outcome was significantly worse than what was explained before surgery
Timing also matters. Product liability claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which vary by state. Waiting too long can affect your ability to pursue a case.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Cartiva Implant Case?
If a claim is successful, compensation may address several types of harm. For our lawyers, the goal is not to assign a single value to the device itself, but to account for the broader impact on your life:
- Medical expenses related to the implant and any revision procedures
- Future care needs, including additional surgeries or rehabilitation
- Lost income or reduced ability to work
- Pain and limitations affecting daily life
Every case is different. Outcomes depend on the specific facts, medical evidence, and how the device failure affected you over time.
How Does a Medical Product Liability Lawsuit Work?
Product liability cases involving medical devices move at a deliberate pace. They require documentation, medical expert input, and coordination across multiple parties. A typical process may include:
- Reviewing your medical records and surgical history
- Evaluating whether the implant failure aligns with known issues
- Filing a claim against the manufacturer
- Engaging medical and technical experts to support the case
- Negotiating or litigating based on the evidence
These cases can take time. It is important to set realistic expectations from the beginning. Progress often depends on gathering strong, detailed evidence rather than moving quickly.
Should I Consult a Medical Product Liability Attorney?
Patients often wait to speak to a medical product liability lawyer because they are unsure whether their experience is serious enough or whether it is too late to act. That hesitation is understandable, especially after dealing with ongoing medical issues. Our experienced attorneys at mctlaw believe that early guidance can make a difference because it allows you to:
- Preserve important medical records and documentation
- Understand whether your situation fits within known patterns of failure
- Avoid missing deadlines tied to your claim
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. A clear explanation of what you are experiencing is enough to start the conversation. At mctlaw, we focus on complex injury cases that require more than a surface-level review. Our work is grounded in understanding how products perform in real-world settings and how those outcomes affect people over time.
Clients come to us because:
- We handle specialized claims involving medical devices and product liability
- We take the time to understand the medical side of each case
- We set realistic expectations about timelines and outcomes
Just as important, there is no financial risk to getting help.
Speak With a Cartiva Implant Attorney To Learn If You Have a Case
Cartiva implant cases are evolving. As more data becomes available, patterns are becoming clearer. Patients who once believed their outcome was unusual are finding that others had similar experiences.
If you are dealing with ongoing pain, loss of mobility, or the possibility of another surgery, it may be time to look at the bigger picture. Mctlaw can help you understand whether the device contributed to your outcome and what steps may come next. There is no cost to ask, and no risk in getting clarity. Fill out our consultation form to see if you have a case.
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Content Reviewed by Michael Cowgill – Product Liability Lawyer
Michael Cowgill is an experienced attorney in the product liability division at mctlaw. Michael focuses his practice on defective medical devices such as recalled metal-on-metal hips and wrongful death lawsuits involving Kratom. Mr. Cowgill graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, OR. He volunteers as a high school mentor with a program for underprivileged youths interested in pursuing a future legal career.
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