Timeline of Key Events Related to Cartiva Toe Implants and Injuries

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Cartiva SCI (Synthetic Cartilage Implant) for use in the treatment of hallux rigidus, or arthritis of the big toe joint.

Wright Medical Group, the manufacturer of Cartiva SCI, announces positive results from a five-year clinical study of the implant, claiming that it provides durable pain relief and improved function.

Wright Medical Group is acquired by Stryker Corporation, a medical device company.

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery reports that Cartiva SCI has a high failure rate of 39% at two years, compared to 0% for arthrodesis (fusion) of the big toe joint. The study also finds that Cartiva SCI causes subsidence, or sinking of the implant into the bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.

Several lawsuits are filed against Wright Medical Group and Stryker Corporation by patients who allege that Cartiva SCI is defective and caused them severe injuries, such as infection, inflammation, bone damage, implant loosening, implant displacement, implant fracture, and implant wear. The plaintiffs claim that the defendants failed to warn them of the risks and complications associated with Cartiva SCI, and that they need revision surgery to remove the implant and fuse their toe joint.

More lawsuits are being filed by patients who have experienced Cartiva SCI failures and injuries. Some legal experts predict that these cases may be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) or a class action lawsuit for more efficient handling.