Cartiva Toe Implant Lawsuits: What You Need to Know
If you have suffered complications from a cartiva toe joint implant, you may be eligible for compensation. Here's what you need to know about the product, the problems, and the legal options.
Get A 100% Free CASE EvaluationWhat is a cartiva toe implant lawsuit?
A cartiva toe implant lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a person who has experienced adverse effects from a cartiva synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) in their big toe. The implant is supposed to reduce pain and improve mobility for people with arthritis or other joint problems in their toe. However, some patients have reported severe complications, such as implant failure, infection, bone loss, toe deformity, and the need for revision surgery.
A failed toe implant lawsuit can help the injured person recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the defective implant. A lawsuit can also hold the manufacturer, Cartiva Inc., and other manufacturers accountable for their alleged negligence and failure to warn consumers about the potential risks of their product.
Who qualifies for a cartiva implant lawsuit?
Anyone who has received a cartiva toe joint implant and has suffered complications may qualify for a cartiva implant lawsuit. However, the eligibility and the statute of limitations may vary depending on the state where the implant was performed and where the lawsuit is filed. Contact one of our experienced cartiva implant lawyers today to determine your legal rights and options.
Some of the factors that may affect your eligibility for a cartiva implant lawsuit include:
- The date of your implant surgery and the date of your complication
- The severity and extent of your injury and how it has affected your quality of life
- The evidence of the defectiveness of the implant and the negligence of the manufacturer
- The strength of your legal representation and your willingness to pursue justice
What is a cartiva toe joint implant?
A cartiva toe joint implant is a medical device that is designed to replace the damaged cartilage in the big toe joint. The implant is made of a synthetic material that mimics the properties of natural cartilage, such as flexibility, durability, and shock absorption. The implant is inserted into the joint through a minimally invasive procedure that preserves the bone and the surrounding tissues.
The cartiva toe joint implant was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016, based on a clinical trial that showed that the implant was safe and effective for treating arthritis of the big toe. The implant was marketed as a superior alternative to the traditional fusion surgery, which involves permanently fusing the bones of the joint and limiting the motion of the toe.
Why are there problems with cartiva implants?
Despite the initial approval and the positive claims by the manufacturer, there have been numerous reports of problems with cartiva implants. Some of the common alleged issues include:
- Implant failure: The implant may loosen, fracture, dislocate, or wear out over time, requiring revision surgery to remove or replace it.
- Infection: The implant may cause inflammation, infection, or abscess in the joint, leading to fever, swelling, redness, and pus.
- Bone loss: The implant may erode or damage the bone of the joint, resulting in osteolysis, osteomyelitis, or osteonecrosis.
- Toe deformity: The implant may cause the toe to bend, curl, or deviate from its normal position, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty in walking or wearing shoes.
- Other complications: The implant may cause nerve damage, blood clots, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects that affect the health and function of the toe and the foot.
These problems may occur soon after the implant surgery or years later, depending on the individual case. The problems may be caused by various factors, such as the implant’s design, the material quality, the surgery technique, the patient’s activity level, or the joint’s natural wear and tear.
What allegations exist for cartiva implant lawsuits as a result?
As a result of the alleged problems with cartiva implants, many patients have filed lawsuits against manufacturers, Cartiva Inc., and Wright Medical Group. The lawsuits allege that the companies:
- Manufactured and sold a defective and dangerous product that was prone to failure and complications
- Failed to conduct adequate testing and research to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product
- Failed to warn the patients and the doctors about the potential risks and side effects of the product
- Failed to provide proper instructions and guidance on the use and care of the product
- Failed to monitor and report the adverse events and complaints related to the product
- Engaged in false and misleading advertising and marketing of the product
The lawsuits seek to recover compensatory and punitive damages for the plaintiffs and prevent the defendants from any alleged wrongful conduct and harm.
Timeline of Cartiva Toe Implants on the US Market
2012: Cartiva Receives FDA Approval for Toe Implant
- Cartiva, a medical device company, received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its synthetic cartilage implant for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the big toe joint.
- The implant, made of polyvinyl alcohol, was designed to mimic the natural cartilage and reduce pain and stiffness in the toe.
- The approval was based on a clinical trial that enrolled 236 patients and showed that the implant was as effective as fusion surgery, the standard treatment for severe toe arthritis.
- The implant was marketed as a minimally invasive and motion-preserving alternative to fusion surgery, which involves permanently fusing the bones of the toe joint.
- Source: Cartiva, Inc. Announces FDA Premarket Approval for Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant | Business Wire
2018: Wright Medical Acquires Cartiva for $435 Million
- Wright Medical, a global medical device company, announced that it had acquired Cartiva for $435 million in cash.
- The acquisition was expected to enhance Wright Medical’s position in the fast-growing foot and ankle market, and to add Cartiva’s toe implant to its portfolio of products.
- Wright Medical also announced that it had received FDA approval for an expanded indication for the implant, allowing it to be used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which connects the big toe to the foot.
- Source: Wright Medical Group N.V. Completes Acquisition of Cartiva, (globenewswire.com)
2020: Stryker completes acquisition of Wright Medical
- Acquisition Completion: Stryker has finalized the acquisition of Wright Medical Group N.V., enhancing its position in trauma and extremities.
- Product Portfolio: Wright Medical adds a complementary portfolio in upper and lower extremities, and biologics, to Stryker’s offerings.
- Financial Details: The tender offer for Wright Medical shares was at $30.75 per share, with the acquisition completed through a series of mergers.
- Company Outlook: Stryker, a leading medical technology company, aims to improve healthcare outcomes with innovative products and services.
- Source: Stryker – Stryker completes acquisition of Wright Medical
2024 Cartiva Lawsuit Update
Recent studies have revealed a high failure rate of the Cartiva implant, and as a result, a growing number of patients who received the implant are now filing legal claims against the manufacturer, accusing them of defective design that caused severe pain and required revision or removal surgery.
- The Cartiva implant was approved as a Tier III medical device in 2016, for the treatment of hallux rigidus or big toe arthritis.
- The manufacturer promoted the device as a safe alternative to big toe fusion surgery, which is a more invasive procedure.
- Doctors, surgeons, and patients have reported that the Cartiva implant failed at a much higher rate than was shown in the manufacturer’s clinical trials.
- The implant failure allegedly caused pain and reduced mobility for some patients, and often necessitated additional surgery to remove or replace the device.
- Lawyers are currently representing individuals who have suffered from Cartiva implant failure and are seeking compensation from the manufacturer for the harm caused by the device.
Cartiva implant failure symptoms & injuries
Some of the symptoms and injuries that may indicate a cartiva implant failure include:
- Persistent or increased pain in the toe, foot, or ankle
- Reduced or limited motion of the toe or foot
- Swelling, inflammation, or warmth in the joint
- Redness, bruising, or bleeding in the skin
- Pus, fluid, or odor in the wound
- Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- Change in the shape, size, or position of the toe
- Difficulty in walking, standing, or wearing shoes
- Loose or broken implant parts in the joint or the surrounding tissues
- Bone loss, fracture, or damage in the joint or the adjacent bones
Any patient who experiences these symptoms or other injuries should seek medical attention. Diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, MRI, or CT scans, may be used to confirm the condition of your implant and your joint.
How do I file a lawsuit?
If you have suffered complications from a cartiva toe joint implant, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. However, filing a lawsuit can be a complex and challenging process, especially if you are dealing with a large and powerful corporation. You will need to gather evidence, file legal documents, negotiate with insurance companies, and possibly go to trial. You will also need to comply with the relevant laws and regulations of your state and the federal government.
Contact one of our experienced cartiva implant lawyers to represent you and protect your rights. We can help by:
- Evaluating your case and determining your eligibility and the value of your claim
- Gathering and preserving the medical records, implant records, and other documents that support your claim
- Filing the lawsuit in the appropriate court and within the statute of limitations
- Conducting discovery and depositions to obtain information and evidence from the defendants and other witnesses
- Negotiating with the defendants and their insurance companies to reach a fair and favorable settlement
- Preparing and presenting your case at trial, if necessary, and advocating for your best interests
- Ensuring you get the compensation that you deserve
If you are interested in filing a cartiva implant lawsuit, contact us today. The sooner you act, the better your chances of obtaining justice and compensation for your injuries and losses.
If Your Cartiva Toe Implant Failed, 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.