DePuy Orthopaedics, a leading manufacturer of medical devices and subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson is the target of complaints regarding its Synthes Attune Knee System. Six years in the making, the DePuy Attune was designed to help patients have a shorter recovery time to return to their active lifestyles.

Unfortunately, some patients who were implanted with the DePuy Attune have been faced with a number of complications after having the device implanted. These complications have led patients to consider filing a DePuy Attune lawsuit following their injuries.

Complications Stemming from the DePuy Attune

A number of complications have been associated with the DePuy Attune. In some knee implants, the device fails to appropriately bond, and problems of improper placement can then result. In other cases, the components may prematurely wear or wear in a way that is detrimental to the implant. Fracture of the device or in the bones surrounding the device may occur.

Metal ions from the implant may shed and migrate to surrounding tissue where it can cause tissue death, leading to the device becoming loose and unstable. Metal debris may also lead to metal poisoning, which can have systemic effects. Lack of osseointegration, or proper bone-implant attachment, is also a possibility.

Some patients have had the knee implant completely fail just a couple years after having it surgically placed. The same reason for failure has been cited on a number of occasions and involves issues with the tibial baseplate.

In failed DePuy Attune implants, the tibial baseplate can become loose and the resulting instability of the implant can cause pain and inflammation and, in some cases, infection. Injuries to the surrounding muscle or bone in the knee area have also been reported.

In the case of a failed implant, revision surgery is typically the only option for patients in order to restore function and eliminate pain. However, revision surgery is also more difficult than the original surgery due to the increased chance of complications and longer recovery time when repairing damage done by the original implant.

Recall Issued for DePuy Attune Surgical Tool

The FDA has already issued a recall for the Attune Knee Tibial Articulation Surface Instruments, a tool used to ensure proper placement and range of motion of the implant. The recall was issued when a small spring coil component of the instrument became detached from the tool. Sometimes, the small device was left in patients following the surgery. The recall took place in June 2015.

Filing a DePuy Attune Lawsuit

Patients who have had a failed knee replacement or who have had complications leading to revision surgery may be eligible to file a DePuy Attune lawsuit to recover damages related to personal injury. A DePuy Attune lawsuit would fall under the category of a product liability lawsuit.

In product liability lawsuits, plaintiffs allege that products are defectively designed, manufactured or marketed, and these defects resulted in the plaintiffs’ injuries. Plaintiffs can seek damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of spousal companionship, loss of enjoyment of life and more.

An experienced attorney can provide you a free consultation to help determine your eligibility to file a DePuy Attune lawsuit and can provide you with additional information to help you decide if taking legal action against the manufacturer is the right choice for you.

Get a Free Knee Replacement Case Review

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.

Learn More