Consumer reports suggest that the Arthrex iBalance total knee may be prone to complications which lead to implant failure and the need for revision surgery.

Knee replacement is a common surgery, with around 4.4 million Americans having undergone the procedure. Knee replacement surgery is often necessary when the natural joint is diseased or damaged due to accident, arthritis, or other conditions. During a knee replacement surgery, the natural joint is removed and replaced with an implant which mimics the natural movement of the joint.

Medical device manufacturers have capitalized on the growing number of knee replacement surgeries by releasing many different models of knee replacement implants. One such model is the Arthrex iBalance total knee, created to treat multi-compartmental knee cartilage degeneration caused by arthritis.

Upon its release, the Arthrex iBalance total knee was marketed as an alternative to the conventional knee implant, requiring fewer surgeries to remove metal plates and screws.

However, the Arthrex iBalance total knee was subject to a recall in December 2015. The recall affected the tibial tray component of the implant which reportedly had a smooth texture. According to Arthrex, the smooth texture found on the outer part of the implant made it incompatible with other components which had a rough texture.

Complications associated with the Arthrex iBalance total knee include pain, mobility issues, swelling, instability problems, infections, fractures, disassociation of the implant, inflammation, loosening of the implant, change in component position, patellofemoral tracking problems, and more.

Arthrex iBalance total knee complications may necessitate revision surgery. Although the procedure would solve any issues associated with the defective tibial tray, revision surgery can be risky and difficult on the body. During revision surgery, the previous implant is removed and replaced with a new implant. Depending on the nature and severity of the Arthrex iBalance total knee complications, the surgeon may have to remove damaged bone and work around damaged tissue. If there is too much damage and bone is unusable, the surgeon may have to graft new bone in order to attach a new implant.

Revision surgery is also associated with serious risks. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, complications of revision surgeries include pain, swelling, stiffness, infection, blood clots, bone loss, fractures, and reduced range of motion. More serious complications which are associated with any surgery include damage to nerves or blood vessels, pulmonary embolisms, lung complications, lung complication, or stroke.

The nature of revision surgery and its associated risks can make recovery very difficult, especially on older patients. Recovery times for revision surgery are often longer than revision times for knee replacement, meaning that patients have to shoulder additional expenses for a hospital stay, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Patients who experienced complications associated with the Arthrex iBalance total knee and needed revision surgery may qualify for legal action against implant manufacturers. An Arthrex iBalance lawsuit could aim to hold manufacturers accountable for defects and help recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and more.

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If you or a loved one suffered from complications caused by an Attune knee implant, an Arthrex knee implant, or an Exactech knee implant, you may have a legal claim. In general, knee replacement surgery lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions. Get help now by filling out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.

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