Cartiva Big Toe Implant Lawsuit December 2023 Update

The Cartiva Implant is a medical device designed to alleviate the discomfort and motion limitations caused by arthritis in the big toe, a condition that affects over 2.2 million people in the United States. The device was introduced to the medical community in 2015, offering what seemed like a promising alternative to the traditional, more invasive big toe fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis.

The Cartiva Implant is a small, cylindrical device made of polyvinyl alcohol-based hydrogel (PVA). This unique material was chosen for its ability to mimic the properties of natural cartilage, a soft tissue that cushions the ends of bones at the joints, preventing them from rubbing against each other. In patients with arthritis, cartilage degradation occurs, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact.

The purpose of the Cartiva Implant is to act as an artificial replacement for the degraded cartilage. It's designed to fit neatly into the big toe joint, providing a gel-like cushion that reduces pain and restores a degree of normal joint function.

The implant procedure involves the creation of a cavity in the metatarsal head, the round part of the bone located at the base of the big toe. The Cartiva Implant is then inserted into this cavity, with the aim of providing relief without the need for removing a significant amount of healthy tissue or causing extensive surgical trauma.

The Cartiva Implant's promise of minimal surgical trauma, combined with a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery, initially made it an attractive option for many patients. However, in practice, the implant has been linked to a high rate of failure and a host of serious complications, which has led to legal action against its manufacturers.

The Cartiva Implant Lawsuit has brought to light a multitude of serious complications that patients have experienced following the implantation of the Cartiva device. Despite the initial promise of the implant as a revolutionary solution for big toe arthritis, the reality has proven far less rosy for many patients.

One of the most common complications reported is severe and persistent toe pain, which not only limits the mobility of patients but also significantly impacts their quality of life. This pain is often a result of the implant loosening within the joint or fracturing, both of which can cause the joint to fail.

Subsidence, a condition in which the implant sinks into the bone, has also been frequently reported. This can result in further pain and necessitate additional surgeries to correct the issue.

More worryingly, some patients have reported nerve damage and debilitating pain due to the Cartiva implant shrinking once implanted. This shrinkage can cause the implant to migrate from its original position, leading to serious complications.

Additional complications reported in the lawsuit include infections, implant fracture, osteolysis (the destruction or disappearance of bone tissue), bone over-production, cysts, and silastic granulomas. These complications often necessitate further surgeries, increasing the patient's suffering, medical costs, and recovery time.

At ConsumerShield, we believe that patients deserve justice and compensation for these complications. We meticulously connect individuals with our network of skilled lawyers, handpicked for their expertise in class action lawsuit claims like the Cartiva Implant Lawsuit. Our commitment goes beyond just making connections. We provide a partnership in your journey towards justice, offering guidance and support every step of the way.

Several studies that have raised concerns about the Cartiva implant's efficacy and safety:

• November 2022 Study: Preliminary findings of an ongoing study published in a medical journal found that patients who received the Cartiva toe implant reported more post-operative pain. The study reviewed 50 patients who underwent Cartiva hemiarthroplasty, arthrodesis (fusion of the joint), or interpositional arthroplasty. It found that Cartiva patients reported a worse overall combination of postoperative pain, function, and alignment compared to patients who received the alternative treatments.
• October 2020 Study: A study published by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society indicated a high failure risk for patients receiving Cartiva implants for the treatment of hallux rigidus. Within two years of receiving the implant, there was a 79% implant failure risk. Furthermore, 64% of patients who received a Cartiva implant experienced device failure within four weeks of the surgery. The most commonly reported reason for Cartiva failure was subsidence, where the implant loosened and sank into the toe bone, resulting in severe toe pain and revision surgery in some cases.
• October 2019 Study: Researchers from Cedar Sinai Hospital found that 30% of Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) recipients were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the outcomes of the procedure. The study found 50% required a corticosteroid injection after receiving the implant. The researchers concluded that the Cartiva implant only yielded modest patient satisfaction, with a large proportion requiring further treatment and workup postoperatively.

If you or a loved one has experienced any of these complications following the implantation of the Cartiva device, reach out to ConsumerShield. We're here to help you understand your rights and to support you in your claim for compensation. You do not have to navigate this complex legal landscape alone. With ConsumerShield, you have a partner committed to helping you seek the justice you deserve.

Taking the first step towards filing a Cartiva implant lawsuit can feel daunting, especially when you're already dealing with the physical and emotional stress of the implant failure. However, with the right support, the process can be straightforward, and justice can be within your reach.

If you or a loved one have experienced complications after receiving a Cartiva toe implant, such as persistent pain, loosening or fracturing of the implant, subsidence, or other severe issues leading to further surgeries, you may qualify to file a Cartiva lawsuit. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started with ConsumerShield:

• Step 1: Complete the Form Start by completing the form on the ConsumerShield website. This form will ask for initial information about your case, such as the nature of the complications you've experienced, any additional treatments you've had to undergo, and how these complications have impacted your life. Once you've submitted the form, our intake support team or a representative from our associated law firm will get in touch within hours to begin the process.
• Step 2: Free Claim Review Following your initial contact, our team will conduct a free claim review. During this review, we'll gather detailed information about your situation to evaluate your potential claim's strength and value. We aim to answer all your questions and will explain the process in detail so that you know what to expect. This case review is crucial in determining whether you qualify to file a Cartiva lawsuit.
• Step 3: Get Justice Once we've collected all necessary information and confirmed that you qualify to file a lawsuit, you'll receive support from our network of experienced attorneys and medical experts. These professionals have helped secure millions in damages for people just like you, and they'll put that expertise to work on your behalf. They will handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.