Exactech Knee Recall

The Exactech recall includes all knee arthroplasty polyethylene inserts packaged in the defective vacuum bags. The recalled devices were packaged in a way where the materials became vulnerable to oxidation. Oxygen was diffused into the plastic insert before it was implanted in the knee. This can lead to accelerated debris production and bone loss, as well as component fatigue, cracking, or fracture. Without the plastic insert, there is no cushioning to absorb the impact of movement causing pain and injury to the patient.

Those with a knee implant subject to the Exactech knee recall may find that their replacement knee does not withstand normal wear-and-tear as expected. 

Symptoms of a faulty knee implant include:

The primary goal of both Knee Replacement and Knee Revision surgery is to relieve a patient’s pain, improve the function of their knees and their quality of life.

A standard total knee replacement (TKR) is made up of four parts:

1. The femoral component – a metal piece that attaches to the thigh bone
2. The tibial tray – a metal piece that fits into the shin bone
3. The patellar component – a piece of plastic that fits onto the kneecap
4. The tibial polyethylene insert – a plastic insert that fits between the femoral component and the tibial component, and acts as the new cushion for the replaced knee joint.

After the TKR surgery, issues may arise with the tibial polyethylene insert if the surgeon used one of the defective components from Exactech resulting in the need for revision surgery.

Knee revision surgery is necessary when an old knee replacement device fails. A device could fail for different reasons including an adverse immune response, infection, unexplained loosening of the implant, and scar tissue build up. Revision surgery is often more complicated and difficult to perform due to the unpredictability of removing an old joint replacement. Deteriorated implants can lead to infection in the bone, further complicating surgery.

Your doctor may refer you to the Exactech-Broadspire Helpline for further assistance if it is determined that you need revision surgery. However, this course of action will only initiate Exactech’s settlement claims process for out-of-pocket surgery costs. You will not be compensated for other losses like lost wages or pain & suffering. Therefore, it is advised that you first contact a specialized personal injury attorney before reaching out to Exactech directly.

If you aren’t sure if your knee replacement implant is subject to the Exactech recall, contact your doctor. They will be able to look up the serial number of your implant and confirm whether or not you have an affected Exactech implant.