An Exactech knee recall was issued after the FDA received a substantial number of reports regarding the hip replacement device. The Exactech knee recall is not the only one of its kind; several similar hip replacement devices from different companies have also been recalled due to device failure, leading to a wide variety of serious complications.

A growing number of patients who have suffered side effects of certain knee implant devices have begun filing lawsuits, alleging that the devices were defective and that their manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community about these risks.

Exactech Knee Replacement Basics

Over 4 million Americans have undergone knee replacement surgery, making it one of the most common surgical procedures in the country. However, despite the prevalence of this procedure, many patients are reporting serious complications associated with a variety of these devices.

The FDA received numerous reports of Exactech Optetrak knee implant failure. Knee implant failure can lead to serious problems for patients, not the least of which is replacement surgery. Any further surgery will necessitate its own medical costs as well as further risks, such as risk of infection.

A study followed up these reports, and was publisshed by Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. The study looked at the effects of the Exactech device after around two years post-surgery. 110 Exactech Optetrak devices were involved in the study.

A large portion of patients reported problems with the device. Fifteen percent of patients said they were disappointed or dissatisfied. Twenty-two percent reported suffering from pain from the device, and used painkillers regularly to combat the pain. Twenty-two percent reportedly had begun suffering from loosening of their implant. These problems were reportedly caused by the fragmentation of the polyethylene (plastic) insert in the device. Of just 110 implants, 13 were causing enough problems that patients were required to undergo revision surgery.

Besides the Exactech knee recall, other recalls have been issued for the Arthrex knee replacement device and the DePuy Synthes Attune knee system.

The Arthrex device has been found to have incompatible components due to a smooth surface that does not match the textured surfaces of other components. The Arthrex knee implant recall was issued in December 2015, and affected over 2,000 individual Arthrex units.

The DePuy Synthes Attune system has been linked with high rates of fracture, metal debris, and detachment from the bone, among others. A recall of the device—specifically known as DePuy Attune Knee Tibial Articulation Surface Instruments—was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in June 2015.

Many of these patients have been forced to undergo revision surgery to correct these complications. Of course, revision surgery itself brings on its own risks of complications and infection, as well as further medical expenses.

Filing a Lawsuit After the Exactech Knee Recall

After the Exactech knee recall and recalls of other similar devices, a growing number of patients are coming forward with their own allegations of the complications they have suffered due to these devices, some of which have led to revision surgery. For some, complications have even caused long-term consequences or permanent disability.

If you or someone you love has suffered from knee replacement surgery complications due to DePuy, Arthrex, or Exactech knee implants, you may be able to file a lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by side effects of defective knee implant devices, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.

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.

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