A class action lawsuit investigation has been launched into a number of knee implant systems linked with failure, including the Arthrex iBalance system. The iBalance system has been linked with serious side effects, some of which may lead to device failure or require revision surgery.

The Arthrex iBalance TKA Tibial Tray was recalled back in December 2015 after the company found it was incompatible with certain device models because of a manufacturing defect.

The reason listed for the recall is that “Devices reported to have a smooth texture to the outer surface of the metal, which differed from a previous that had a textured outer surface.” Essentially, this means that the product may not be compatible with other components, which have a rougher texture. Though this sounds like a minor problem, it may lead to more serious issues.

The recall was issued on Dec. 17, 2015 and affected more than 2,000 individual Arthrex iBalance TKA Tibial Tray components that had made it into commerce all across the United States, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The medical device manufacturer noted that the use of the devices should be discontinued.

Arthrex iBalance Basics

The Arthrex iBalance knee replacement system was created as a treatment for multi-compartmental knee cartilage degeneration, a condition generally caused by osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthrosis.

Though the Arthrex iBalance implant was intended to reduce the need for further surgeries (knee replacement generally requires additional surgery for metal plate and screw removal), problems with the Arthrex iBalance TKA Tibial Tray component may force some patients to undergo revision surgery. Of course, revision surgery itself brings on its own risks of complications and infection, as well as further medical expenses.

Patients who have reported problems with the Arthrex knee replacement device cite various complications which in some cases have required revision surgery to correct.

Side effects linked with knee replacement devices, including the defective Arthrex iBalance TKA Tibial Tray component, are:

• Pain
• Mobility issues
• Swelling
• Instability problems
• Infections
• Fractures
• Disassociation of implant
• Inflammation
• Loosening of implant
• Changes in component position
• Kneecap moving out of place

Other Knee Replacement Recalls

The recall of the Arthrex iBalance TKA Tibial Tray component is not the only one of its kind. Other knee replacement devices have recently been hit with recalls due to serious side effects, including the DePuy Synthes Attune knee system and the Exatech Optetrak knee replacement system.

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 knee replacement 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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