Litigation Overview
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) No. 3172 was established to centralize federal products liability lawsuits involving the Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI). This hydrogel device was designed to treat arthritis at the base of the big toe; however, plaintiffs allege the implant is defective, leading to significant complications, including device migration, bone loss, and the necessity for secondary fusion surgeries.
Core Case Information
- MDL Number: 3172
- Litigation Title: IN RE: Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant Products Liability Litigation
- Status: Transferred / Active
- Transferee Judge: Hon. Kristine G. Baker
- Transferee District: Eastern District of Arkansas (ARE)
- Master Docket: [4:26-md-3172]
JPML Official Document Library
This library contains high-level jurisdictional orders issued by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. For day-to-day trial court orders and deadlines, please visit our [Cartiva MDL Case Management] page.
02/05/2026 | JPML Order 3172 In re: Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant [Transfer Order]
The foundational order issued by the JPML officially centralizing actions from multiple districts into the Eastern District of Arkansas to prevent inconsistent rulings and streamline discovery.
Note for Future Additions: As the Judicial Panel issues new Conditional Transfer Orders (CTOs) for “tag-along” cases or updated Status Reports, they will be added to the top of this list in reverse-chronological order.
Key Findings of the Panel
In granting the transfer to Judge Kristine G. Baker, the Panel identified several common factual questions that justify centralization:
- The nature and cause of persistent pain and limited range of motion following implantation.
- The sufficiency of Cartiva’s device labeling and testing protocols.
- Representations made by Cartiva to the FDA during the device approval process.
- The specific circumstances surrounding the eventual SCI device recall.
NGRV Leadership & Expertise
Nigh Goldenberg Raso & Vaughn (NGRV)
is at the forefront of medical device products liability litigation. Our firm is actively investigating claims for individuals who have suffered implant failure, bone loss, or required corrective fusion surgery after receiving a Cartiva SCI. We monitor these JPML proceedings to ensure every client’s case is correctly managed within the federal consolidated framework.
