Patients who have experienced complications related to a Arthrex iBalance total knee system may have a legal case against the manufacturers.

The DePuy Attune, Arthrex iBalance, and Exactech Optetrak knee replacement systems have been linked to reports of severe side effects and complications. Some cases require revision knee surgery to correct the problems. Components from all three of these knee replacement systems have been recalled by their manufacturers.

The Arthrex iBalance tibial tray was recalled in December 2015 when a smooth texture was discovered on the outer part of the knee implant. Although a difference in texture seems like a small detail, the smooth texture on the component made it incompatible with other components of the knee system that had a rough texture. Around 2,378 distributed units were affected by the recall.

The iBalance tibial tray is a part of the Arthrex iBalance total knee system. The system was created to treat multi-compartmental knee cartilage degeneration. This condition can be caused by osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthrosis when the cartilage in the knee joint starts to wear away, leaving bone to grind on bone and cause damage.

Arthrex marketed the iBalance total knee as an alternative to conventional total knee replacement. Its design was marketed to reduce the need for more surgeries to have metal plates and screws removed. Despite the intention to reduce further surgeries, complications from the Arthrex iBalance total knee may force patients to have additional revision surgeries to correct problems.

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

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a knee replacement revision surgery is longer and more complex than an initial knee replacement surgery. A revision surgery tends to require extensive tools, planning, and specialized implants to achieve success. Damage to the bone caused by fractures and other complication increases the complexity of a revision surgery as the surgeon has less reliable bone to work with.

Possible risks associated with revision surgery include poor healing, reduced range of motion, stiffness, infection, bleeding, blood clots, bone fracture, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and more serious medical problems such as pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke.

The DePuy Attune system was designed to reduce recovery time. However, the system was recalled in June 2015 by the FDA due to failure to bond, worn components, fracture, metal debris shedding, and loss of the bone’s attachment with the implant. These complications forced some patients to undergo revision surgery.

The Exactech Optetrak system was recalled due to component wear, component fragmentation, implant loosening, patellofemoral conflict, and pain. In a study, 15 percent of patients reported being dissatisfied with their implant. The failure of the implant components has forced certain patients to undergo revision surgery.

Patients who have suffered from complications from the DePuy Attune, Arthrex iBalance, and Exactech Optetrak knee replacement systems may have a legal claim to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, 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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