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Cartiva Injury Brochure
Group of surgeons doing operation on foot
What are the Complications from the Cartiva Toe Implant?
January 6, 2024
Man trying to massage foot in pain
Reasons for Cartiva Toe Implant Failure
January 10, 2024
Podiatrist check up of patient foot

Understanding the Science Behind Cartiva Toe Implant Failure

Studies show that the Cartiva Toe Implant may have a higher-than-normal failure rate. Some statistics show failure rates as high as 30 percent with other studies indicating the rate may well be over 50 percent. For a toe implant designed to improve mobility, it may be doing the opposite. Here’s a look at what is considered a failure and how it impacts the patient.

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Publication Date: 01/08/2024
Editor Teresa Shaw
Written by Joyce Monroe
Edited by Teresa Shaw
Medically Reviewed by Evelyn Stewart, (RN)

The Cartiva Toe Implant

The implant is a device made of a gel-like substance that imitates cartilage on the joint of the big toe. This implant is inserted into the area where the natural joint that has been damaged is located. It provides a cushion to prevent the bones from rubbing together.

When the implant fails, it can cause pain and stiffness, reducing mobility. The joint may become stiffer over time and make it difficult to walk normally or balance oneself.

How Cartiva Fails

The Cartiva toe implant can cause several issues. One issue could be that the device may subside or sink into the bone. When this happens, the patient may suffer significant pain that may require surgeries for revision. The bone of the toe may erode, and the patient may suffer consistent pain and swelling.

Some studies have shown that some study participants did not see improvement two years after the surgery in either pain or stiffness levels, which may cause the need for additional treatments, including surgery to remove the implant.

Aftercare Issues

If a significant amount of bone in the big toe has been removed, repairs are more complicated. Some patients have a shorter big toe, which won’t touch the floor. This can lead to balance issues, since the big toe plays a vital role in balance when a person is walking. The result can include limited mobility that becomes a permanent condition for the patient.

The Cartiva Toe Implant

The implant is a device made of a gel-like substance that imitates cartilage on the joint of the big toe. This implant is inserted into the area where the natural joint that has been damaged is located. It provides a cushion to prevent the bones from rubbing together.

When the implant fails, it can cause pain and stiffness, reducing mobility. The joint may become stiffer over time and make it difficult to walk normally or balance oneself.

How Cartiva Fails

The Cartiva toe implant can cause several issues. One issue could be that the device may subside or sink into the bone. When this happens, the patient may suffer significant pain that may require surgeries for revision. The bone of the toe may erode, and the patient may suffer consistent pain and swelling.

Some studies have shown that some study participants did not see improvement two years after the surgery in either pain or stiffness levels, which may cause the need for additional treatments, including surgery to remove the implant.

Aftercare Issues

If a significant amount of bone in the big toe has been removed, repairs are more complicated. Some patients have a shorter big toe, which won’t touch the floor. This can lead to balance issues, since the big toe plays a vital role in balance when a person is walking. The result can include limited mobility that becomes a permanent condition for the patient.