Each year, over 1 million people in the United Staes have knee replacement procedures performed. Because of the increased demand for knee replacements, there is a corresponding need for innovation in the design of medical devices for knee joint replacement surgery.

Many knee replacement devices have been designed with an intent to create a longer lasting knee replacement device that is more suitable for a younger demographic that desires a more active lifestyle. Despite the intention, many knee replacement devices have shown early failure and have caused severe knee injuries in some patients.

Knee replacement lawsuits have been filed against large medical device manufacturers such as DePuy Orthopedics, Zimmer Holdings, Smith Nephew, Stryker Orthopedics and Biomet, by patients who have experienced severe side effects due to knee replacement devices.

Knee Replacement Complications

All knee replacement operations carry the risk of side effects. In most cases, these side effects are mild to moderate, but in some cases may be severe and result in severe pain, nerve or muscle damage. Some patients may experience early failure of the knee replacement device, which will require revision or additional replacement surgery. Severe knee replacement complications may include:

• Severe pain or inflammation
• Infection of the knee, which may spread to the body
• Damage to the nerves or blood vessels surrounding the knee joint
• Damage to the joint or bone tissue
• Device loosening resulting in loss of mobility
• Blood clot formation in the lower leg

These severe side effects may result in a need to have a second knee joint replacement or revision surgery.

Knee Replacement Violations and Recalls

Several major device manufacturers have paid over $310 million or agreed to federal supervision to settle charges filed by federal agencies. Manufacturers including Zimmer Holdings, DePuy, Biomet, Smith Nephew and Stryker Orthopedics were accused of providing payment to surgeons who agreed to use their devices. Biomet is still facing an accusation of the bribery of Mexican officials.

Since 2003, over 700 recalls have been issued for faulty knee replacement devices manufactured by the largest medical device companies. Many of these devices are responsible for the injuries now resulting in lawsuits.

Knee Replacement Lawsuits

Patients who have been injured by knee joint replacement devices have filed thousands of lawsuits in federal, state and local courts around the United States. Patients who have been injured may be eligible to receive financial compensation for those injuries.

Damages awarded may include reimbursement for medical costs, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, patients may also be eligible for punitive damages if it can be proven that the company was aware of the potential risk to patients but continued to sell the knee replacement devices.