Knee Replacement Device Recalls and Lawsuits
If you or a loved one had knee replacement surgery in 2011 or later, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
If you or a loved one had knee replacement surgery in 2011 or later, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
Reports from the FDA show that some knee replacements have early failure rates. Even if your knee replacement has not yet had any complications, call our law firm today at 877-LAW-FIRM to see if you have a case.
Exactech Optetrak Knee Implant Devices
Zimmer Persona Trabecular MetalTM Tibial Plate Knee Implant
Exactech Optetrak Knee Implant Devices
One of the models of knee replacements that has been shown to be troublesome for some patients is the Exactech® Optetrak®. The Exactech® Optetrak® tibial tray is used in total knee replacement surgeries (also called total knee arthroplasty). Recent reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicate a trend of early failure in Exactech Optetrak knee implant devices that may cause the devices to loosen and require revision surgery to replace the defective device.
The Issue with Exactech Optetrak Knee Implant Devices
There is currently no recall related to this implant, but it has had high early failure rates. Older versions of the implant had a “finned” tray design that did not promote adherence to the surgical cement used to attach it. Rather than recalling the implants, the company systematically replaced old inventory with a new version of the implant redesigned in 2013.
Symptoms of Knee Implant Failure
In general, knee replacements will function well for many years, allowing patients relief from chronic arthritis or other ailments. However, early failure of knee implants can cause significant pain and the need for additional surgery.
Symptoms of knee implant failure include:
- Knee pain, which can range from mild to severe
- Loss of mobility
- Instability due to loosening of the implant
- Loss of range of motion
- Swelling in the knee
- Inflammation and reddened skin
Do You Have an Exactech Optetrak Knee Implant Claim?
You may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer for the failure of your knee implant if:
- You received the Exactech Optetrak in 2011 or later
- Or, you had revision surgery to replace the implant and the implant was less than eight years old.
- You may have a claim even if you have not had any complications with your implant.
During your consultation, one of our experienced defective product professionals can help you understand your rights to bring a claim against the manufacturer and what your next steps should be.
Compensation for Your Knee Implant Failure
If you have experienced early failure of your knee implant, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Damages for pain and suffering
Are you unsure of what type of knee implant you have? We can help!
If you don’t know what type of knee replacement you have, our professionals can help determine who manufactured your implant and if you may have a claim. There are also other types of knee replacements that may qualify you for significant financial compensation.
Zimmer Persona Trabecular MetalTM Tibial Plate Knee Implant
The attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates are currently accepting cases on behalf of individuals who have suffered an injury caused by a defective Zimmer Persona® Trabecular MetalTM Tibial Plate knee implant. Over 11,000 patients worldwide have undergone knee replacement surgery using the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee implant. However, this defective medical device has resulted in painful side effects that often require corrective surgery.
If you’ve experienced early implant failure or other painful side effects from a defective Zimmer Persona knee implant, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. You can learn about your legal rights and options by speaking with one of our attorneys in person. Please call (803) 573-0090 today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients throughout South Carolina.
What is the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate Knee Implant?
The Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate is a cementless knee implant that works by having two pegs which go into the bone. The implant is then supposed to “grow” into the bone, and the pegs are there to provide stability. These devices were used in knee replacement surgeries between March 2012 and March 2015.
You can usually determine whether the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate implant was used during your surgery by viewing an x-ray. In most instances, you’ll be able to clearly see the two pegs on an x-ray image. Unfortunately, issues with this device have prevented the implant from growing into the bone on many patients, resulting in stability issues and other complications.
Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate Recall
In March 2015, Zimmer issued a recall of the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee implant due to complaints that the components would loosen, resulting in early failure and the need for a revision procedure to replace the defective implant. According to the FDA, more than 11,000 knee implant devices were covered under this recall.
Complications associated with the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee implant include:
- Radiolucent lines — Large gaps in between knee replacement components or between components and the bone which occur when the implant isn’t secured properly. As these gaps become larger, they may fill with joint fluid, tissue and implant-wear debris, resulting in bone damage and implant failure.
- Loose implants
These complications may result in the following symptoms:
- Knee pain
- Joint popping
- Instability
- Balancing issues
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty walking or moving
In many instances, additional procedures will be required to correct these issues, leaving patients with long, painful recovery periods that reduce their quality of life and impact their ability to work.
Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate Knee Implant Lawsuits
If you’ve suffered a painful medical complication as a result of a defective Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee implant, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of replacement surgery
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Punitive damages, if appropriate
Contact our South Carolina Defective Medical Device Attorneys
Please contact McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates using the form on this page or call (803) 573-0090 today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Camden, Sumter, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Columbia, Aiken and throughout South Carolina.
