Get Compensation for Faulty Exactech Implants
Faulty Exactech Implants May Lead to Early Failure
In August 2021, the medical device company Exactech issued a recall for thousands of knee replacement systems. Due to a manufacturing error, specific implants may be subject to early failure. Implant failure can lead to serious health complications, as well as the need for additional surgery.
If you received an Exactech joint replacement system for your knee after 2004, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced defective medical device attorney today to learn if you have a strong claim.
Why Were Exactech Knee Joint Replacement Systems Recalled?
According to an internal investigation, the 147,732 Exactech devices covered in the recall were improperly vacuum sealed prior to shipping. Because of the incorrect packaging, the Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) implants were exposed to oxygen, resulting in degradation and possible early device failure.
While the recall was initiated last year, lawsuits filed regarding implant failure have claimed that Exactech knew about the issue as early as 2008. There are allegations that Exactech participated in cover-up efforts to keep the implants on the market.
The recall includes knee replacement systems listed below and which were implanted after 2004:
OPTETRAK®
OPTETRAK® Logic
TRULIANT®
VANTAGE®
Exactech admitted that data from several other countries shows that OPTETRAK® devices consistently require more revision surgeries than other types of knee implants. The Logic, TRULIANT®, and VANTAGE® systems were introduced to the market after 2004, but OPTETRAK® knee replacement systems have been on the market since 1992.
OPTETRAK® devices implanted prior to 2004 are NOT included in the U.S. recall.
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What Are the Symptoms of Exactech Joint Implant Failure?
The UHMWPE used between metal components in the Exactech joint replacement systems is sensitive to oxygen exposure. Because of this, improperly packaged implants may fail early, resulting in adverse medical effects, including bone loss and debris production near the implant site.
Those with faulty implants may experience the following symptoms:
joint swelling
pain during movement
grinding or clicking
instability
Each of these issues may require revision surgery to address.
How Likely Is It That My Implant Will Fail?
Multiple studies have shown that Exactech knee implants have an unusually high rate of failure. The specific rate of failure can vary based on the age and existing medical conditions of the implant recipient. With that flexibility in mind, one 2016 study showed just under 7% of knee implants failed after five years, with nearly 8% failing after seven years.
Suits filed regarding faulty Exactech implants have claimed that some of the systems failed at a rate ten times higher than that of other systems on the market.
What Should I Do If I Have an Exactech Implant?
Treatment for implant failure usually involves undergoing further surgeries to address or replace the device. However, if you aren’t experiencing any adverse effects related to your implant, your doctor isn’t likely to recommend surgery.
If you received an Exactech implant and have since suffered joint issues, implant failure, or implant revision surgeries, you should reach out to a faulty medical device attorney to learn about potentially filing a legal claim for compensation.
What Compensation Is Available for Faulty Exactech Implant Mass Tort Claims?
If you received one of the Exactech joint replacement systems covered in the list above after the year 2004, then you may be able to file a claim for compensation. If you haven’t experienced any adverse effects related to your implant, you probably won’t be able to make a claim.
However, if your implant has resulted in pain or other difficulties in your life, you may be able to get compensation for the following damages:
pain and suffering
lost wages
reduced earning power
reduced quality of life
medical bills
Unlike plaintiffs in class action lawsuits, claimants in mass tort cases are awarded compensation on a case-by-case basis.
Do I Qualify for Exactech Implant Compensation?
The Exactech recall covers nearly 150,000 implants, but only a portion of those implants will fail. Estimates have placed failure rates between 7% and 30%, making it somewhat difficult to determine how likely it is that your implant will be affected.
However, if you’ve experienced any adverse reactions related to your implant, you should contact an attorney immediately. An experienced product liability attorney, like those on the team at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia, can help you establish whether or not you have a strong faulty medical device case.