Knee replacement is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S., and the DePuy knee replacement system has been one of the more popular options. However, after a known problem with the balseal was brought to light, DePuy recalled components of the Attune knee replacement device in 2015.

The DePuy knee replacement is one of several such devices linked with serious component problems. With the Attune, the issue was the balseal; with other knee systems it’s the tibial plate. No matter the issue, however, complications from a DePuy knee replacement or similar implant have necessitated patients to undergo revision surgery to alleviate the issue.

The DePuy knee replacement system is a popular knee implant option in the U.S. However, although the DePuy knee replacement was meant to reduce the time required for recovery, it has unfortunately been linked with some severe issues that can have lasting effects.

DePuy Knee Replacement Side Effects

Patients have reported a number of major DePuy knee replacement complications, including:

• Failure to bond
• Worn components
• Fracture
• Metal debris shedding
• Loosening
• Loss of the bone’s attachment with the implant

Although these knee implant devices are meant to last for many years, some patients claim that they have experienced component or device failure only a couple of years after the initial knee replacement surgery occurred. In some cases, this failure or device complications may necessitate revision surgery to correct, but revision surgery brings with it its own dangers, including further problems like infection, as well as additional medical expenses.

FDA Announces Component Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of certain DePuy Attune Knee system components after DePuy issued the recall back in June 2015. The recall announcement noted that the device’s small wire spring coil (the balseal) had the potential to become damaged and disassociate from the device. This could allow the spring to “enter the surgical site and be left inside the patient” after surgery, leading to complications.

The recall affected 3,474 DePuy knee replacement units with potentially defective balseal components.

The DePuy Attune is not the only knee implant system under fire for parts or device failure and other issues. Other knee replacement devices have also been linked with ailments, including the Arthrex knee implant and Exactech knee implant, which have been linked with swelling, fractures, inflammation, mobility issues, and more.

Filing a Lawsuit Over DePuy Knee Replacement Complications

A growing number of patients are filing lawsuits alleging that they were not adequately warned about potential side effects linked with the knee replacement system, such as device loosening or metal debris. If you or someone you love has suffered due to these or other problems with their DePuy knee replacement, you may be able to join a class action lawsuit or file a lawsuit of your own.

While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by problems with a defective knee implant or knee implant components, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with these injuries.

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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