Exactech recalled about 140,000 knee replacements that were sold since 2004 due to problems that can cause the implant to fail prematurely, loosen or break, and require revision surgery.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Exactech knee induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by a defective knee replacement, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Exactech Recalls 140,000 Knee Implants
In February 2022, Exactech announced a Class II recall for about 140,000 knee and ankle replacements that can fail prematurely and require revision surgery.
The recall involves Exactech Optetrak, Exactech Optetrak Logic, and Exactech Truliant knee implants that have been implanted in patients in the U.S. since 2004.
The recall was issued after Exactech discovered that the implants contained a plastic insert that was packaged in a defective vacuum bag that allowed oxygen to reach the plastic insert. The problem can cause the entire knee replacement system to wear out much faster than expected.
“[The problem] can lead to both accelerated wear debris production and bone loss, and/or component fatigue cracking/fracture, all leading to corrective revision surgery.”
Symptoms of a Defective Knee Replacement
- Knee pain, swelling or instability
- Pain when walking
- Unable to put weight on the knee/ankle
- Knee grinding, clicking, etc.
- Need for revision surgery
What Knee Replacements Were Recalled?
The recall in February 2022 involves the following knee and ankle replacements:
- Exactech Optetrak knee implants (60,926 sold since 2004)
- Exactech Optetrak Logic knee implants (60,518 sold since 2009)
- Exactech Truliant knee implants (24,727 sold since 2017)
- Exactech Vantage ankle replacements (1,561 sold since 2016)
Exactech Optetrak Lawsuit Filed Over Knee Implant Failure
October 2017 — A man who needed revision surgery because his Exactech Optetrak® knee replacement failed prematurely has filed a e Lawsuit (PDF) in Alabama. Click here to read more.
Exactech Knee Implant Failures
The Exactech Optetrak® knee replacement has been on the market since 1994, but the manufacturer slightly changed the design in 2011 and 2012. Unfortunately, the new “finned” tibial tray may not adequately bond the metal implant to the patient’s knee bones. This can result in pain, instability, premature loosening, and other complications that require another surgery.
Study: “Poor Results” for Exactech Optetrak Knee Implants
In 2012, a study of 110 patients with the Exactech Optetrak knee replacement warned about “poor results” and high failure rates. The researchers discovered that 12% of patients needed revision surgery within 5 years of receiving the Optetrak knee because they were suffering from pain, tibial loosening, or instability. Furthermore, about 1 in 5 patients needed routine painkillers and another 22% of the implants were “evolving toward tibial implant loosening.”
Knee Replacement Problems
- Pain
- Looseness
- Unstable knee
- Limited flexibility
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Bone or muscle damage
- Infection
- Trouble walking
About Class Actions
Class actions are useful when a lot of people are seeking a relatively minor payout, like a refund. If compensation is awarded, everyone in the lawsuit shares the payout equally. The problem is that class actions can have major disadvantages for people with severe injuries.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
Members of a class action may have to accept a “low-ball” settlement or higher attorneys’ fees. They may also have to share the settlement with everyone else in class action, even people with minor injuries.
Instead of a class action, our lawyers are focusing our efforts on representing people who have the most serious injuries from defective knee replacements. If you decide to file a lawsuit, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical costs — and more.
Do I have an Exactech Knee Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Exactech knee induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by a defective knee replacement, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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