Massive Medical Device Recall Leads to Lawsuit
In February 2022, Exactech recalled hundreds of thousands of knee and ankle replacement devices that were implanted into patients between 2004 and 2022. The knee and ankle inserts had inadequate packaging that failed to protect the parts from exposure to oxygen before being implanted into the body. Oxidation can cause the inserts to significantly degrade over time, leaving many patients in pain and facing the possibility of revision surgery.
WHY WAS THE EXACTECH KNEE IMPLANT RECALLED?
The recall for knee and ankle replacements is due to a packaging failure. It is extremely important for the device inserts to not come in contact with oxygen before being implanted into the body (for example, while being shipped and stored prior to your knee surgery). The packaging layers for the plastic inserts in this recall were found to have allowed airflow prior to insertion, which causes oxidation and premature wear. The components and inserts manufactured over the last 8 years were packaged in oxygen resistant vacuum bags but were missing a barrier layer containing ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) that further augments oxygen resistance.
At this point, many Exactech patients have received very concerning correspondence from their surgeon and rightfully have a lot of questions. A device recall leaves patients questioning whether they have an Exactech knee or ankle replacement and, if they do, what actions they need to take to determine if the recall impacts them personally. At Ed White Law, our experienced attorneys can help find these answers for you and determine if financial compensation may be available for you and your family as a result of an Exactech knee replacement lawsuit.
COMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM DEFECTIVE DEVICES
Exposure of the knee replacement device to oxygen prior to being implanted in the body can cause oxidation, which means the plastic can wear out earlier than expected or become damaged in the patient’s body — essentially causing knee implant failure.
Symptoms patients may experience include:
- Knee swelling
- Pain while walking
- Inability to bear weight on your implant
- Grinding or clicking
- Overall instability
Unfortunately, premature wearing of the plastic insert can lead to the need for revision surgery. If you or a loved one had knee surgery with an Exactech insert, you have legal options, and an Exactech knee replacement lawsuit attorney at Ed White Law can help determine if you qualify for compensation.
WHO CAN FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST EXACTECH?
You may be eligible to file an Exactech recall lawsuit if you or your loved one:
- Have an Exactech hip, knee, or ankle implant
- Suffered side effects from the Exactech implant
- Had, scheduled, or were told you needed revision surgery
CONTACT OUR LAWYERS TODAY
At Ed White Law, we have decades of experience representing clients who have experienced the devastating effects of medical device failure. If you, a loved one or friend received an Exactech knee replacement between the years of 2014 and 2022, please contact an attorney at our firm to learn about your legal options. If you’re eligible, one of our lawyers may be able to help. Please contact Ed White Law today.