Patients who were not candidates for a traditional shoulder replacement were happy to learn that there was an implant that could fit their needs. The Biomet reverse shoulder was designed to help patients with rotator cuff tears who had developed joint disease and for those who had other failed shoulder implants.

However, what these same patients did not expect is that they may experience reverse total shoulder replacement complications that could be very serious or even fatal in nature.

The components of the Biomet reverse shoulder are implanted on the opposite side of where they are in a regular shoulder replacement. But problems with this very design are allegedly leading to reverse total shoulder replacement complications.

Earlier this year, the FDA announced a Class I recall of the Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder System after numerous reports of fractures. According to the FDA, a Class 1 recall is issued when there is “a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The reverse shoulder systems were found to have a higher fracture rate than what was indicated on the product’s label, the FDA stated. These fractures would often require patients to undergo revision surgeries, which could cause more damage, including permanent loss of their shoulder function, infection from the implantation surgery, or death.

A total of 3,662 devices have been recalled due to reverse total shoulder replacement complications. These particular implants were manufactured between August 25, 2008 and September 27, 2011. They were distributed between October 2008 to September 2015.

On Dec. 20, 2016, Zimmer Biomet started sending recall notices for the reverse total shoulder implants and informed the medical community how to quarantine and return the devices affected by the recall.

Taking Legal Action After Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Complications

If you or a loved one has suffered from reverse total shoulder replacement complications due to a Zimmer Biomet shoulder implant, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation for your injuries.

Plaintiffs who go on to file products liability lawsuits against device manufacturers often allege that the design and/or manufacture of the product was defective. Additionally, patients also allege that the advertising of any devices was also defective, with patients not being properly warned about all of the potential issues associated with the given device.

Reverse total shoulder replacement lawsuits may be able to compensate individuals to help cover costs related to medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of job earnings and earning capacity and spouses can see compensation due to loss of spousal companionship. Punitive damages designed to punish the manufacturer for alleged wrongdoing may also be sought.

Plaintiffs consider product liability lawsuits not only to help recover costs that they have had to endure following the personal injury, but they also seeks to hold manufacturer is responsible for standing behind the safety of their products.

Lawyers familiar with reverse total shoulder replacement complications are available to provide you with a free case review to discuss your legal options related to personal injury and products liability claims.