Scope of the Problem: Statistics on Cartiva Implant Injuries
Cartiva is a synthetic implant that is designed to replace the damaged cartilage in the big toe joint and reduce the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. It was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2016 and marketed as a minimally invasive alternative to joint fusion surgery. However, since its introduction, some patients have reported serious complications and failures of the Cartiva implant, leading to additional surgeries and lawsuits.
Get A 100% Free CASE EvaluationHigher Than Expected Failure Rates
A study by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society in November 2020 revealed that Cartiva toe implants had a high failure rate. Hallux Rigidus is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the big toe joint. Cartiva is supposed to act as a cushion between the bones and improve joint movement. However, the study found that 64% of patients who had Cartiva implanted experienced problems within a month of the surgery, and 79% had issues after 19 months (about 1 and a half years).
The most common problem was subsidence, which means the device sank into the bone and caused more pain. Some of the patients studied needed another surgery to fix this.
Other complications seen in the study included:
- Erosion of the bone near the implant (40% of patients)
- Loosening of the implant (57% of patients)
- No improvement in pain or mobility (43% of patients after 19 months)
Fractures, Reactions, Pain, and Infection Reported
Other reported Cartiva complications include fragmentation/implant fracture and misalignment (the implant breaks up or moves), infection, foreign body reaction (the body rejects the implant), osteolysis (destruction of bone tissue), joint removal, cysts, and increased pain. These complications can cause severe disability and reduced quality of life for the patients, as well as additional medical expenses and legal fees.
If You Had to Have Additional 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.
Sources
https://www.footankleinstitute.com/blog/when-the-cartiva-big-toe-joint-implant-fails/
https://districtfootankle.com/2023/07/05/understanding-cartiva-implant-failures-and-next-steps/
Early Failures of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Implant for the Treatment of Hallux Rigidus – PMC (nih.gov)