Exactech Knee Replacement Lawsuits
After numerous complaints and a recall, Exactech is facing lawsuits for both its Optetrak and Truliant knee replacement systems. The company has been accused of failing to warn patients and doctors about the risks associated with the device, which can lead to early failure and the need for revision surgery.
There was a large cluster of these implants used in Nashville and throughout Tennessee.. If you or a loved one has experienced complications after receiving Exactech knee replacement, you may be entitled to compensation.
Who Is Exactech?
Exactech is a medical device company that develops, manufactures, and markets orthopedic implants and related surgical instruments.
The company was founded in 1985 by Dr. Bill Petty, an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Gary Miller, an engineer of biomedicine, and Betty Petty, a businesswoman. Exactech’s products are used in the treatment of bones, joints, and soft tissues.
Exactech’s product portfolio includes a wide range of orthopedic implants, such as hip, knee, and shoulder replacements, as well as related surgical instruments. The company’s products are distributed worldwide through a network of independent distributors and Exactech-owned subsidiaries.
In addition to its product offerings, Exactech provides educational resources for surgeons and other medical professionals on the use of its products. The company also offers customer support services, such as product training and technical assistance.
Exactech is headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, and has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company employs between 501 and 1,000 people worldwide.
What’s the Problem?
Exactech knee replacement recalls have been issued for certain models of the company’s knee replacement devices. The recall is due to potential problems with the devices’ metal-on-metal components. If you or a loved one has been affected by this recall, you may be entitled to compensation.
Without further medical attention, the faulty knee replacement systems can lead to a number of serious complications. It is therefore vital to seek legal help as soon as possible to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Which Products Are Recalled?
What began as a recall for Exactech’s knee replacement systems has expanded to include hip and ankle replacement systems, as well. Two of Exactech’s most popular products-Optetrak and Truliant-have been the subject of most of the complaints.
Out of all knee replacement systems produced by Exactech, 147,732 are currently in the bodies of patients. As such, the company has issued a recall for all Optetrak and Truliant devices, as well as certain models of the Equinoxe system. It is very likely that revision surgery will be needed in many existing Exactech patients.
What Caused the Recall?
The problem traces back to the packaging of the knee replacement parts. They were not adequate in keeping the products sterilized according to the company’s own protocols, which led to the breakdown of the equipment. This, in turn, caused the knee replacement parts to wear out sooner than expected.
It’s important to note that the knee replacement products affected by this oversight are those produced after 2004. So if you had knee surgery before then, you are not affected.
If, however, you had surgery after that date, you may be at risk for serious complications. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the complications outlined below.
What Are the Potential Complications?
The Exactech knee replacement recall was issued due to potential problems with the devices’ components. This can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Instability
- Inflammation of the knee
- General pain when walking
- Product grinds or clicks
- Lack weight-bearing capability
More serious concerns relate to the accelerated wear-down of the device, which can cause early failure of the implant. This can result in dangerous debris being released in the body, bone loss, and other various complications.
These issues can cause a great deal of pain and suffering, and in some cases, may require revision surgery to fix. If you or someone you know has experienced any of these problems after receiving Exactech knee replacement, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages for your injuries.
What You Can Do
If you are affected by the recall, you should contact your doctor immediately. They will be able to tell you what to do next in terms of medical treatment.
You should also contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options and whether you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. As a class-action lawsuit, you could potentially get compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.