Cartiva Implant

MDL No. 3172, In re: Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant Products Liability Litigation, was centralized February 5, 2026, in the Eastern District of Arkansas before Chief Judge Kristine G. Baker, consolidating federal suits against Stryker over its polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel toe implant. The litigation follows Stryker's October 31, 2024 Class II recall of all Cartiva SCI devices, which covered an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 U.S. patients implanted since July 2016. Judge Baker ordered settlement mediation before former U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Lenihan, with a first session held March 12, 2026; no global settlement has been announced, and the MDL remains in early discovery with CTO-6 issued June 24, 2026, no bellwether selection, and leadership counsel named by September 3, 2026.

MDL No. 3172 centralized February 5, 2026, in the Eastern District of Arkansas before Chief Judge Kristine G. Baker. Judge Baker held the initial organizational hearing August 26, 2026, and named plaintiffs' and defense leadership counsel by September 3, 2026. CTO-6 issued June 24, 2026. Discovery in early stages; no bellwether trials scheduled.

Estimated 13,000 to 15,000 U.S. patients received Cartiva SCI implants between July 2016 and October 2024 recall. FDA adverse event database exceeds 400 reports, predominantly implant loosening or failure. Stryker Class II recall issued October 31, 2024 (Recall No. Z-0598-2025, Recall Event ID 95661), covering all devices distributed July 2016 through October 2024; recall treated as constructive notice for limitations purposes in most jurisdictions. Nationwide distribution to 35 states per FDA filing.

• Eastern District of Arkansas

  MDL No. 3172 centralized February 5, 2026, before Chief Judge Kristine G. Baker. JPML Transfer Order, In re: Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant Products Liability Litigation. Venue selected due to Cartiva, Inc.'s substantial business operations through Arkansas suppliers. Initial organizational hearing scheduled August 26, 2026; settlement mediation before former U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Lenihan commenced March 12, 2026.

• West Virginia

  Two state court bellwether trials (Hughes and May) delayed to August 2026 by joint stipulation; posture unclear post-MDL centralization. Two-year statute of limitations with discovery rule.

• California

  Four-year statute of limitations for product liability claims — longest window among major jurisdictions. Open intake opportunity for patients with earlier implant dates. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.

• New York

  Three-year statute of limitations from injury discovery. Mid-range window requires prompt intake for 2016-2021 implant cohorts. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.

• Texas

  Two-year statute of limitations with discovery rule. Large implanted population given state size; recall date critical for limitations analysis. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.

• Florida

  Two-year statute of limitations with delayed discovery doctrine. Significant implanted population; October 2024 recall treated as constructive notice. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.

• Michigan

  Two-year statute of limitations with discovery rule. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.

• Ohio

  Two-year statute of limitations with discovery rule. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.

• Illinois

  Two-year statute of limitations with discovery rule. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.

• Pennsylvania

  Two-year statute of limitations with discovery rule. Active distribution state per FDA recall distribution list.