Millions of Americans have been implanted with prosthetic knee replacement systems, including the Exactech Optetrak, to correct joint problems and increase mobility. However, when these knee replacement systems fail, patients may suffer devastating consequences including pain, infection, and disability.

What is the Exactech Optetrak?

The Exactech Optetrak is a knee replacement system made from several materials, including polyethylene and chromium-cobalt alloy. Prosthetic knee implants are generally made of two pieces, a larger component that fits on the end of the thigh bone, and a smaller plate that is placed on the top of the shin bone. The prosthetic is implanted into the patient’s leg, taking the place of the patient’s original joint.

The Exactech Optetrak was introduced to the market in 1995 and continues to be sold by Exactech. The company issued a recall for the Optetrak’s tibial tray in 2011.

Who is Affected?

Almost four and a half million Americans have received a knee replacement implant. Many of these patients have suffered adverse effects following their prosthetic implant surgery. When a replacement knee replacement fails, it may result in intense pain, disability, or the need for revision or replacement surgeries.

Exactech Optetrak knee replacement systems have been linked to many serious side effects, including degradation or failure of the prosthetic joint. Impending knee replacement failure may result in many side effects and symptoms. Optetrak knee implant failure may be caused by wear and tear on the polyethylene or plastic piece, resulting in fragmentation.

Symptoms of Knee Replacement Failure

Possible signs of impending knee replacement failure may include:

• Mobility and movement issues
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling of the joint
• Infections
• Instability of the joint
• Bone fractures
• Inflammation
• Loosening of the implant
• Change in the position of the implant

Exactech Optetrak Knee Implant Recall

The tibial tray of the Optetrak prosthetic knee implant system was recalled in 2011 by Exactech due to reports of implant failure, degradation, and incompatibility. According to a study published by Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, the Exactech Optetrak replacement system has resulted in adverse effects for many recipients.

A total of 15 percent of the patients in the study reported being disappointed or dissatisfied with the knee implant. At least 22 percent reported that they experienced regular pain and needed to take painkillers on a regular basis. Another 22 percent reported suffering from the beginnings of tibial loosening, or the loosening of the implant within their joint. Several of the participants in the study required revision surgeries to rectify the damage the implant had caused to their joints.

Exactech Optetrak Lawsuits

If you have received an Exactech knee replacement system and experienced adverse reactions including tibial loosening, inflammation, infection, pain, or disability, you may qualify to file a knee replacement lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Filing a knee replacement lawsuit may result in compensation for a variety of costs related to knee replacement failure and revision surgery, including medical bills, long term medical care, surgery costs, lost wages and loss of future earnings, and permanent disability.

Join a Free Knee Replacement Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one suffered from complications caused by an Arthrex knee implant or an Exactech knee implant, you may have a legal claim. Get help now by filling out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.

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