Knee replacement surgery is one of the most widespread surgical procedures in the country—indeed, millions of Americans have had at least one knee replaced, and 700,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S.

The Exactech knee replacement device is a popular option for this common surgery. Unfortunately, a growing number of patients implanted with an Exactech knee replacement are coming forward with reports of serious complications from the device. Knee replacement complications may include such issues as pain, infections, fractures, and device loosening.

Exactech Knee Replacement Complications

Although Exactech has become known for its knee replacement implants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received many complaints over the last few years about early failure of the Exactech knee replacement system.

The Exactech knee replacement device did not go through the full, rigorous FDA approval process; instead it was “fast-tracked” through a 510(k) process, which involves less testing on devices similar to another already on the market.

Companies use the 510(k) process in an effort to roll products out quicker and make them available for patients to use. While this can benefit patients (by making better options available more quickly) it can also place them at risk if proper testing is not done.

According to the FDA, components of the Exactech knee replacement reportedly failed prematurely. Failure of the Exactech knee replacement device was attributed to the wear and tear of the tibial insert component, which could lead to complications like fracture, infection, pain, swelling, loss of mobility, disassociation of implant, instability, and more.

Knee Replacement Problems Common

A study by Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, which looked at dozens of knee implant patients in the years following their surgery, found that many of the patients suffered from significant knee replacement complications just two years after surgery. In many cases, the pain caused by device defects was bad enough to necessitate regular painkiller usage.

The Exactech knee replacement is not the only knee implant that has been linked with major complications. Other devices that patients have reported causing serious side effects include the DePuy Attune and Arthrex iBalance devices.

The Attune was recalled in June 2015 after a small wire spring coil component reportedly became detached and left inside patients. The Attune has also been associated with excessive wear and tear, fracture, metal debris, and loss of bone attachment.

The Arthrex iBalance TKA Tibial Tray component was recalled in December 2015 after it was discovered that the component’s smooth texture was incompatible with implant models that had a rough texture.

In some cases, knee replacement complications may require that patients undergo revision surgery to alleviate problems. Of course, any additional surgery places patients at further risk, as well as adds more medical costs.

If you or someone you love has suffered from knee replacement complications from an Exactech knee replacement or other knee implant devices, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit over knee replacement complications may be able to help cover costs incurred by hospital and medical bills, pain and suffering, revision surgery, lost wages, disability, and long-term medical care, among others.

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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