In 2015, the FDA announced a Class II recall for a knee replacement system component manufactured by DePuy, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The recall was issued for the Attune Knee Tibial Articulation Surface Instruments, a tool that was used during surgery to make sure that the implant was properly placed and that the range of motion of the implant was appropriate.

The recall focused on a small spring coil component of the tool that had the possibility of becoming detached from the tool and lodging inside the knee implantation site of the patient. Sometimes, the doctors were not aware that the small spring coil had separated from the tool, and the component was left inside the patient’s body, which could later cause complications.

The Attune knee component recall for the surgical tool began in June 2015 and was ended in November 2015.

Problems Beyond the Attune Knee Component Recall

Patients who have had the Attune knee replacement implanted have reported a number of complications with the device above and beyond the terms of the Attune knee component recall.

Some complications associated with the Attune knee replacement system include:

• Pain
• Swelling and inflammation
• Nerve damage
• Decreased range of motion
• Clicking or grinding sounds made while walking
• Premature wear of device components
• Improper implant bonding leading to improper device placement
• Device fracture
• Metal debris shedding
• Fracture of bones surrounding the device

Typically, the only way to reduce symptoms from complications link to the Attune knee implant is for the patient to undergo revision surgery to correct any issues. During a revision surgery, the Attune knee implant is removed and another implant device is put in its place that will hopefully eliminate the issues.

However, revision surgery is typically much riskier than the initial knee implant surgery. The knee, now suffering problems with the implant in place, can be in a more fragile state, and more complications may ensue. Typically, there is also a longer recovery time associated with revision surgery because the damage done by the original implant is also being repaired along with the simple installation of the new implant.

Have You Suffered From Attune Knee Implant Complications?

If you have suffered from Attune knee implant complications that were related to the Attune knee component recall or that were some of the many other complications reported not related to the recall, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation for your injuries.

In cases where injury is alleged to be caused by a medical device, a product liability lawsuit may be filed against the device manufacturer. In these types of lawsuits, the plaintiff filing the lawsuit typically alleges that the product manufacturer failed to properly design or manufacture the device, or failed to properly warn of safety issues associated with its use.

Plaintiffs may go on to seek damages related to their medical care, mental anguish, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of spousal companionship, lost wages and earning capacity, and more. Plaintiffs may also be eligible to seek punitive damages designed to punish the manufacturer for its alleged wrongdoing.

If you qualify, an attorney can provide you with a free, no-obligation case consultation to review the details of your case to see if you may be eligible to take further legal action to hold the manufacturer accountable and to help you receive compensation for the injuries you sustained.

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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