The science behind the shrinkage, the subsidence, and the pain.

The Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI) was marketed as a revolutionary alternative to fusion. It is made of a material called Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Hydrogel. The manufacturer claimed this material mimics the properties of natural cartilage.

However, real-world results have revealed a very different picture.

The "Sponge" Effect (Loss of Hydration) The core issue alleged in lawsuits is that the PVA hydrogel material is not durable enough to withstand the forces of the foot. Over time, the implant reportedly loses hydration. Think of a sponge drying out—it shrinks and becomes hard.

• The Result: When the implant shrinks, it no longer separates the bones. The joint space collapses, and you are left with bone-on-bone friction—the exact problem you tried to fix.

Subsidence (Sinking into the Bone) Because the implant is not anchored with screws or bone cement (it is strictly a "press-fit"), shrinkage often leads to "subsidence." This means the device slips and sinks deep into the metatarsal bone.

• The Consequence: This destabilizes the joint and often destroys surrounding healthy bone tissue, making revision surgery much more complicated.

Osteolysis (Bone Loss) Many patients suffer from osteolysis, where the body reacts to the failing implant by creating cysts or voids in the bone. This weakens the bone structure, increasing the risk of fractures and making future fusion surgeries difficult.

If you or a loved one are suffering from a defective Cartiva implant, please contact us today for a free consultation.