Thousands of knee implant devices have been affected in the 2015 Arthrex iBalance recall, claiming an incompatibility problem with certain models.

Background of the Arthrex iBalance Recall

The Arthrex iBalance recall was issued back on Dec. 17, 2015. The reason given by the manufacturer for the Arthrex iBalance recall may seem fairly innocuous: “devices reported to have a smooth texture to the outer surface of the metal, which differed from a previous model’s textured outer surface.” Because of this irregularity, the tibial tray component of the implant may not be compatible with other components.

Arthrex announced its Arthrex iBalance recall in February 2016, alerting medical device distributors and medical facilities to discontinue the device.

Reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicate that thousands of devices were affected by the Arthrex iBalance recall, which includes about 2,378 units already distributed into commerce across the country.

Arthrex iBalance Complications

The Arthrex iBalance implant was created as a treatment for multi-compartmental knee cartilage degeneration, which is often caused by osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthrosis.

Patients have reported various complications after implantation with the Arthrex knee implant. In some cases, these complications have required revision surgery to correct. Of course, revision surgery itself brings on its own risks of complications and infection, as well as further medical expenses.

This is especially frustrating for Arthrex patients, as the device was originally developed as an option to reduce the need for additional surgery. Patients who chose the device for this reason might be exposed to additional surgery they were attempting to avoid.

Other Knee Implant Recalls

Other knee replacement devices have recently been hit with similar recalls due to serious side effects.

A growing number of patients are coming forward with complaints about the DePuy Synthes Attune knee implant, reporting device failure from a variety of problems. Some of the complications linked with the device include failure of components to bond, worn components, fracture, metal debris shedding, and loss of the bone’s attachment with the implant (osseointegration).

The Exatech Optetrak knee implant is another device that has been the subject of complaints in recent months. The Exatech implant has been linked with complications including device failure, and patients have reported constant pain, implant loosening, and required revision surgery.

Filing a Lawsuit After the Arthrex iBalance Recall

If you or someone you love has suffered with knee replacement complications with a model affected by the Arthrex iBalance recall, you may be able to pursue litigation.

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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