Exactech recalled hundreds of Vantage Ankle Replacements because they can break, wear out early, and require a corrective revision surgery.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Exactech Vantage Ankle Replacement induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or needed surgery for an ankle 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.
Exactech Recalls Vantage Ankle Replacement Systems
In February 2022, Exactech announced a voluntary recall for approximately 1,561 Vantage Ankle Replacement Systems that can wear out and fail prematurely. The implants were introduced in the U.S. in 2016.
What is the Problem?
Ankle replacements are supposed to last for 10 to 20 years before needing revision surgery. Unfortunately, the plastic insert in the recalled ankle implants can wear out within 5 years — or sooner.
When this happens, patients will experience pain and have trouble walking. Patients may need surgery to remove and replace the plastic insert. If there are severe problems, such as bone loss around the implant, the patient may need another surgery to replace the implant.
Early Failure Rate Linked to Plastic Insert in Ankle Replacements
Exactech ankle implants contain a plastic polyethylene insert that was supposed to help cushion the joint. The problem is that the plastic insert was packaged in an “out-of-specification” vacuum-sealed bag.
The bag did not actually prevent oxygen from coming in contact with the plastic, which can cause it to oxidize and wear out more quickly. According to Exactech’s warning to patients and surgeons:
“[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.”
Study Finds Dramatically Higher Failure Rate for Exactech Joint Implants
In a study of joint registry data in Australia, the U.K., and New Zealand, Exactech found a 3- to 7-fold increased risk for revision surgery in patients who received knee replacements with the plastic insert. The patients commonly suffered from pain, loosening of the implant, or bone loss (osteolysis).
Signs & Symptoms of Ankle Replacement Failure
The symptoms of a defective ankle replacement may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Instability
- Unable to put weight on the ankle
- Trouble walking
- Unusual sounds (clicking, grinding, etc.)
- Cracked or broken ankle implant
- Bone loss
- Falls
- Need for corrective surgery
Exactech Recalls 140,000 Joint Replacements for Failure Risk
Exactech is currently facing a growing number of lawsuits and class actions from people who were injured or needed surgery for a defective ankle, knee or hip replacement.
These lawsuits were filed after Exactech recalled about 140,000 joint implants that were sold in the U.S. since 2004, including:
- Exactech Optetrak Knee Implant
- Exactech Optetrak Logic Knee Implant
- Exactech Vantage Ankle Replacement
- Exactech Connexion GXL Hip Implant
Do I have an Exactech Vantage Ankle Replacement Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting <a href=”https://www.schmidtlaw.com/exactech-ankle-lawsuit/” target=”_Blank”>Exactech Vantage Ankle Replacement</a> induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or needed surgery for an ankle replacement, you should <a href=”http://www.schmidtlaw.com/contact”>contact our lawyers immediately</a> for a <b>free case consultation</b>. 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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