Marketers promoted Cartiva as an innovative solution for patients with hallux rigidus, a form of arthritis that limits mobility in the big toe joint. Doctors told patients they can preserve motion and reduce pain with the Cartiva device instead of undergoing joint fusion surgery. Unfortunately, many patients later discovered that the implant did not work as promised. Reports of serious concerns about its safety have left patients facing unexpected emotional, financial, and physical limitations.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we represent patients nationwide who are harmed by defective implants. Our defective medical device attorneys are committed to holding the manufacturer accountable and helping victims pursue compensation for their injuries. If you suspect your harm stems from Cartiva, we can evaluate your situation and advise on how to seek compensation.
Key Takeaways: Cartiva Lawsuits
- Marketed as a safer alternative to fusion surgery, real-world use has shown alarmingly high failure rates.
- Lawsuits allege that Cartiva and its parent companies misled patients and doctors, withheld adverse event data, and continued selling a defective device to maximize profits despite mounting safety concerns.
- Plaintiffs seek compensation through Cartiva lawsuits to hold the manufacturer accountable for reckless conduct.
- Eligibility to file a Cartiva lawsuit depends on showing measurable harm, such as implant failure or financial and emotional losses linked to the device.
- Call our defective medical device lawyers today to represent you and protect your rights while pursuing justice.
Why Work With Our Cartiva Lawsuit Lawyers
Filing a lawsuit over a failed Cartiva implant is not a simple process. Product liability cases involve a combination of medical records, surgical reports, device testing data, and regulatory filings. To succeed, the evidence must not only prove the harm but also connect that harm directly to flaws in the implant, specifically identifying the cause of device failure that led to the patient’s injury. This requires a legal team understanding product liability law and the unique medical issues surrounding orthopedic implants. At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we dedicate the time and resources needed to build a compelling case that addresses your claim’s technical and personal aspects.
Our firm has been representing victims of defective medical devices since 1985, giving us decades of experience fighting manufacturers that place profit ahead of patient safety. Over the years, we have seen the same patterns repeat themselves — devices rushed to market, inadequate testing, and companies downplaying risks. When Cartiva patients come to us, we know how to identify and use these failures to strengthen the case for compensation. Our defective medical device attorneys are prepared to challenge powerful corporations with the necessary evidence and professional testimony.
While we bring national reach and courtroom strength, our approach is also deeply personal. We recognize that behind every lawsuit is an individual dealing with stress and uncertainty about the future. We take the time to listen to each client’s story to ensure the case we present reflects not only the physical harm caused by the Cartiva implant but also the emotional and financial toll it has taken.
Importantly, we believe financial worries should never prevent someone from pursuing justice. That is why we offer free, confidential case evaluations and handle Cartiva lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t owe any attorney fees upfront; you only pay if we secure compensation on your behalf. With this structure, patients can focus on recovery while we focus on accountability.
Overview of Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant

The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) is a medical device engineered to address degenerative conditions in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, commonly known as the big toe joint. Cartiva, Inc. developed and acquired it from Wright Medical Group in 2020 before Stryker Corporation purchased Wright.
It functions by replicating the biomechanical properties of natural cartilage, thereby aiming to restore joint cushioning and mobility while alleviating pain associated with hallux rigidus. Surgeons insert the implant via a press-fit technique into the metatarsal head without the need for fixation hardware, positioning it as a less invasive option compared to traditional arthrodesis or joint fusion procedures.
However, the implantation of the Cartiva SCI has raised several risks, many of which have surfaced through post-market surveillance reports. Primary concerns include subsidence, where the implant migrates or sinks into the underlying bone. These failures may necessitate revision surgeries.
Infection represents another significant hazard, particularly when implant failure creates pathways for bacterial ingress. Additional complications encompass osteolysis, characterized by bone resorption around the implant site. Cyst formation within adjacent tissues and abnormal bone overgrowth have been reported, which can impact movement and quality of life. These risks have prompted many lawsuits claiming that the device’s design is defective and that manufacturers failed to warn patients and surgeons about its potential dangers.
Legal Allegations in Cartiva Lawsuits
Court filings against Cartiva raise allegations regarding the company’s handling of its synthetic cartilage implant. One of the central claims is that the manufacturer did not warn patients and doctors about defects already known within the company. Plaintiffs accuse Cartiva of violating consumer protection laws and prioritizing financial gain over patient safety by continuing to market and sell the device despite evidence of recurring failures.
Another key allegation is that Cartiva withheld important safety data from regulators and the medical community. Reports of adverse events and device malfunctions allegedly went unshared, leaving surgeons and patients unaware of the risks they were facing. Lawsuits claim the company failed to monitor the safety of its implant, identify complications in real-world use, and take corrective action, neglecting these responsibilities until serious harm had already occurred.
Finally, plaintiffs argue Cartiva’s actions demonstrate a deliberate disregard for patient welfare. By failing to promptly recall defective implants and delaying meaningful safety interventions, the company allowed more patients to undergo procedures with a device unsuitable for its intended use. These lawsuits aim to hold Cartiva responsible for the injuries caused by its product and the company’s failure to act transparently when problems become evident.
Compensation in a Cartiva Implant Lawsuit
The consequences extend well beyond the initial surgery when a medical device fails. Individuals harmed by a defective Cartiva implant may be entitled to damages that reflect the true scope of their financial, physical, and emotional losses.
- Treatment and Corrective Surgery Costs: Compensation may cover the financial burden of undergoing additional surgeries to remove or replace the failed implant. This includes hospital stays, surgeon fees, rehabilitation programs, medications, and any long-term care tied to the complications. These expenses can escalate quickly, making recovery of medical costs a significant part of a lawsuit.
- Workplace and Career Setbacks: Failed implants can disrupt a person’s ability to work, whether through extended absences, limited mobility, or permanent restrictions that reduce earning power. Recovery may include reimbursement for lost earnings and compensation for diminished future career opportunities.
- Physical Suffering and Daily Discomfort: Ongoing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking are among the most reported consequences of Cartiva failures. Damages in this area acknowledge how persistent discomfort and reduced physical ability interfere with basic tasks, exercise, or recreational activities that once formed part of daily life.
- Emotional Strain and Psychological Impact: Living with repeated medical procedures and uncertainty about recovery can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Compensation may cover the emotional toll patients endure when a medical solution betrays their trust, forcing them to cope with lasting psychological challenges.
- Lifestyle Limitations: For some, the damage caused by Cartiva implants has meant giving up valued activities, from sports and fitness routines to family responsibilities and social interactions. This category recognizes how the injury changes the way survivors engage with the world around them.
- Support for Ongoing and Future Needs: In severe cases, individuals may require continued medical supervision, specialized footwear or mobility aids, or long-term assistance. Financial recovery can help ensure access to resources that support stability and independence despite the harm caused by the implant.
- Punitive Awards: Beyond compensating injured patients for their losses, courts may consider imposing damages to penalize the company for reckless or willful misconduct. If evidence shows that Cartiva knowingly marketed a defective implant while ignoring clear safety warnings, you can secure punitive damages to deter similar conduct.
Recovering full compensation in a Cartiva lawsuit requires clearly presenting how those failures have reshaped your health, finances, and quality of life. Our Cartiva lawsuit attorneys work with medical professionals, financialists, and industry specialists to quantify the full scope of your damages and present compelling evidence in court or settlement negotiations. We strive to secure the financial recovery you need to move forward with stability and dignity.
How Do I Know I Qualify for a Cartiva Lawsuit?
It’s important to understand that eligibility for Cartiva lawsuits depends on meeting specific criteria. These requirements ensure that only those genuinely suffering from the device’s defects can seek compensation. These standards also ensure that the legal process can effectively address the grievances of affected individuals.
To proceed with a lawsuit, you must show that the device caused measurable harm beyond the expected surgery recovery process. Courts consider whether the implant failed prematurely, required additional medical treatment, or caused complications that significantly impacted your health or daily life.
Some of the key factors that may determine eligibility include:
- Premature Implant Failure – If the Cartiva implant lost function, shifted, or deteriorated sooner than expected, you may have grounds for a claim.
- Need for Revision Surgery—Patients who required the device’s removal or a second surgery to correct its failure may qualify for compensation.
- Severe or Persistent Symptoms – Ongoing pain, mobility issues, or worsening joint problems after implantation can support a lawsuit.
- Evidence of Economic or Emotional Harm – Missed work, high medical bills, or diminished quality of life due to the device may also establish eligibility.
If unsure whether you qualify, engage a Cartiva lawsuit lawyer for professional assistance. A defective medical device lawyer examines your medical history, surgical records, and personal experiences to determine whether your situation matches the legal claims filed nationwide. Act quickly since the statute of limitations can restrict your filing of a lawsuit.

Defective Cartiva Implant Cases – FAQs
The Time to Act on Your Cartiva Claim Is Now
A successful Cartiva lawsuit can provide the financial support needed to cover medical treatment, lost income, and the long-term effects of a failed implant. If you or a loved one has suffered complications after receiving a Cartiva implant, there are available legal avenues to pursue damages. The attorneys at Ferrer Poirot Feller are actively reviewing claims nationwide and are committed to holding Cartiva accountable for the harm caused by its defective device. Call us at (214) 521-4412 or contact us online today. The sooner we can begin constructing your case and protecting your rights.
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