How to Tell if Your Cartiva Implant Is Failing (and What to Do About It)
Recognizing the Signs of a Failing Cartiva Implant
When the Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant was first introduced, it was marketed as a durable, motion-preserving alternative to toe fusion for arthritis in the big toe joint. Unfortunately, many patients are now experiencing painful complications months or even years after surgery. If you received a Cartiva implant, knowing how to identify the signs of failure-and what steps to take next-can make a major difference in your recovery and legal options.
This guide explains how to tell if your implant may be failing, what tests confirm the diagnosis, and what to do if you’re facing pain, swelling, or limited movement after Cartiva surgery. For a full overview of the recall and compensation process, see our Cartiva Implant Lawsuit and Recall Guide.
Common Symptoms of a Failing Cartiva Implant
Cartiva implant failure can look different for every patient, but certain warning signs are seen again and again. If you’re noticing any of the symptoms below, contact your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible:
- Recurring pain or tenderness in the big toe joint that worsens with activity
- Swelling or inflammation that does not go away after the initial healing period
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion that makes walking or bending the toe difficult
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the joint
- Warmth or redness around the implant site, sometimes indicating inflammation or infection
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking normally
- Pain spreading to the foot, knee, or hip due to altered gait
These symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly. Even if your pain was mild at first, worsening symptoms often signal that the implant is loosening, migrating, or breaking down. If this sounds familiar, you may also want to review The Real Cost of a Failed Cartiva Implant for what to expect physically and financially.
What Causes Cartiva Implants to Fail
The Cartiva device is made of a hydrogel material designed to mimic natural cartilage. In theory, it should act as a smooth, shock-absorbing spacer between bones. But in practice, the material has proven less durable than advertised. Over time, it can shrink, harden, or sink into surrounding bone-causing the joint surfaces to rub together again and trigger new pain.
Common causes of Cartiva failure include:
- Implant shrinkage or dehydration, reducing cushioning in the joint
- Implant migration, where the device shifts position inside the bone
- Bone resorption or cyst formation around the implant site
- Fracture or cracking of the implant during or after surgery
- Infection or inflammatory reaction related to the device
Once failure begins, symptoms typically worsen over time. Left untreated, many patients require revision surgery-often a toe fusion (arthrodesis)-to relieve pain and stabilize the joint permanently. For a comparison of the two procedures, see Cartiva vs Toe Fusion – Why Surgeons Are Returning to a Proven Approach.
How Doctors Diagnose a Failed Cartiva Implant
If you suspect your implant is failing, your doctor will likely start with a physical examination and medical imaging. These tests help confirm whether the device has shifted, deteriorated, or caused bone damage.
- X-rays: Reveal changes in bone alignment, implant position, or bone loss around the site.
- MRI scans: Show soft tissue inflammation, cysts, or hydrogel breakdown.
- CT scans: Help evaluate the extent of implant migration or bone erosion.
- Diagnostic injections: Confirm whether the pain originates from the implant area.
If imaging confirms the implant has subsided or broken down, your doctor may recommend revision surgery. In most cases, this involves removing the implant and performing a fusion procedure to stabilize the joint.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Early Warning Signs
It’s common for patients to dismiss post-surgery discomfort as normal healing. However, pain that persists or worsens months after surgery is not typical. Ignoring these symptoms can allow the problem to progress, making revision surgery more complicated. Bone loss or cyst formation can develop over time, making later repairs harder to perform successfully.
Acting quickly can also protect your legal rights. Lawsuits against Stryker and Cartiva, Inc. claim that the company knew about high failure rates but failed to warn surgeons and patients. If you delay medical evaluation or legal consultation, you could miss your state’s deadline to file a claim. Learn about timing and deadlines in Understanding Cartiva Lawsuit Deadlines.
Steps to Take if You Think Your Implant Is Failing
If you suspect your Cartiva implant isn’t functioning properly, take the following actions as soon as possible:
- Schedule a medical evaluation. Ask for an X-ray or MRI to confirm whether the implant has moved, shrunk, or caused bone damage.
- Get a second opinion. Seek out a foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating Cartiva failures or performing revision surgeries.
- Document your symptoms. Keep a daily log of your pain levels, swelling, and how the injury affects your mobility and daily life.
- Collect your records. Request copies of your operative report, imaging, and post-op notes. These are vital for both medical and legal purposes.
- Consult a Cartiva attorney. A lawyer experienced in defective medical device cases can explain your options and help preserve your right to compensation.
Even if your symptoms seem minor, an early evaluation can prevent more serious complications down the line.
Treatment and Revision Options
For many patients, the only lasting fix for a failed Cartiva implant is revision surgery. Surgeons typically remove the defective implant and perform a fusion to stabilize the joint. While this eliminates motion, it also removes the source of pain and prevents further damage. Some patients may need bone grafting if the implant caused significant bone loss.
After revision, recovery time can range from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on healing and activity level. Most patients report long-term pain relief and a stable, functional joint after fusion surgery.
Legal Options and Compensation
If your Cartiva implant failed, you may be eligible for compensation for:
- Medical costs (surgery, therapy, medications, imaging)
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or permanent limitations
Filing a lawsuit is not just about money-it’s also about holding manufacturers accountable for defective products and preventing others from being harmed. For insights into what lawyers are uncovering, read What Lawyers Are Discovering About Cartiva Device Failures.
When to Contact a Lawyer
Even if your implant failed years after surgery, it may not be too late to file a claim. Many states allow claims to proceed if the problem was only recently discovered. However, every day you wait increases the risk of missing your legal deadline. If you have pain, swelling, or had to undergo revision surgery, speak with a Cartiva lawsuit attorney right away to protect your rights.
Injured by a Failed Cartiva Implant? Call Alonso Krangle, LLP Today
If your Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant failed or you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or stiffness after surgery, Alonso Krangle, LLP can help. Our attorneys represent patients nationwide in claims against Stryker and Cartiva, holding them accountable for defective medical devices that cause lasting harm.
Call [PHONE] or contact Alonso Krangle, LLP online for a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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