Cartiva Big Toe Implant Complications and Additional Surgery
When it comes to treating hallux rigidus (big toe arthritis), hope often rests on the shoulders of innovative medical technology. While Cartiva has undoubtedly helped many, a growing number of patients say they are facing revision surgery due to various complications.
Get A 100% Free CASE EvaluationSome of the most common complications include:
- Fractures: Concerns have emerged about the Cartiva implant’s susceptibility to fracture, particularly under everyday stress. This can lead to significant pain and instability, necessitating revision surgery to remove or replace the implant.
- Subsidence: Over time, the implant can sink into the surrounding bone (subsidence), causing pain, limited mobility, and potentially requiring corrective surgery.
- Implant wear and tear: The implant material may gradually wear down, causing debris build-up and inflammation, ultimately leading to revision surgery for removal or replacement.
- Foreign body reactions: In some cases, the body may reject the Cartiva implant as a foreign object, triggering an inflammatory response that necessitates removal.
Surgical Options for Failed Cartiva Toe Implants
Not everyone will need revision surgery if something goes wrong with their big toe implant. Revision surgery for a failed implant may be required if the initial implant placement fails to provide relief or causes more pain, stiffness, or complications. Generally, alternative therapies are tried before a surgery is decided upon.
The revision options for failed Cartiva implant procedures include:
Fusion of the big toe joint: This is the most reliable and durable option, but it also sacrifices joint motion and may affect gait and footwear. Generally, a plate and screw fixation system are used to provide compression and stability. A bone graft or a bone graft substitute may be used to fill the void left by the implant removal and to enhance the healing process.
Replacement of the Cartiva implant with another implant: This is a good option for patients who need to preserve joint motion and have high shoe demands, such as wearing heels. Your doctor may replace your device with another Cartiva implant or a different brand of big toe implant device.
If You Had to Have Revision Surgery After Receiving a Cartiva Toe Implant, We Can Help.
If you have suffered from complications after receiving a Cartiva Toe Implant, contact us now. We are fighting to protect the rights of patients allegedly injured by Cartiva toe implants and hold the device makers fully accountable for putting profits above the health and well-being of patients.
Patients who received a Cartiva toe implant and were forced to have revision surgery to remove or replace the device, may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Contact us now to learn more about your rights and whether you are entitled to compensation.