A recent lawsuit has brought to light significant allegations against a medical device company accused of selling a defective product that has caused severe harm to a patient. Joe Krolicki filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on March 31, 2025, against Cartiva, Inc., claiming that their medical implant device failed and led to serious injuries.
The case revolves around the Cartiva SCI implant, which was marketed as a solution for patients suffering from joint issues. In 2018, Joe Krolicki underwent surgery at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush in Chicago, where Dr. Khalid Hameed implanted the Cartiva SCI into his first metatarsophalangeal joint to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. However, instead of relief, Krolicki experienced worsening pain and decreased range of motion post-surgery. Seeking further medical advice, he consulted Dr. Simon Lee who determined that the implant had failed and recommended its removal followed by fusion surgery.
Krolicki's complaint accuses Cartiva, Inc. of strict product liability and negligence. The lawsuit alleges that the company knew about the high failure rates and adverse effects associated with their device but continued to market it as safe and effective. "The actual success rate patients experience was significantly less than what Defendant marketed," states the complaint, highlighting discrepancies between promotional claims and real-world outcomes.
The plaintiff seeks judgment exceeding $75,000 for damages including physical pain, emotional distress, additional medical expenses for corrective surgeries, and loss of income due to his inability to work post-implantation. Furthermore, Krolicki's attorneys argue that Cartiva violated federal regulations by failing to warn about potential risks and misrepresenting success rates in their marketing materials.
Representing Joe Krolicki are attorneys Richard L. Pullano, Mathew T. Siporin, and Michael J. Pullano from Pullano & Siporin law firm based in Chicago. The case is being presided over under Case ID: 1:25-cv-03415.