Last year, medical implant giant Exactech issued a recall for ankle, knee, and hip devices produced since 2004. According to the company, more than 147,000 devices are subject to this recall. According to Faulty packaging of the implants prior to use resulted in oxygen exposure which caused the premature degradation of the artificial joints. This could lead to adverse effects for patients who have had these devices implanted. Today, we’ll discuss the Exactech recall, how these defective implants impact patients, and what to do if you have one of these devices. Patients who have received a total ankle replacement with an implant subject to the Exactech recall may experience symptoms of degradation earlier than expected. This is a result of excess oxygen exposure to the soft plastic cushioning of the joint implant. When this cushion deteriorates too quickly, the joint can no longer absorb the sort of impact that comes with everyday life, such as walking. This will likely result in pain and injury for the patient.
Symptoms of a faulty ankle implant include:
- Ankle pain
- Swelling
- Inability to put weight on the joint
- Grinding noise or sensation in the ankle
- Clicking noise or sensation in the ankle
- Ankle instability
Patients suffering these symptoms due to a recalled Exactech implant will likely require revision surgery to replace the faulty ankle implant.
Click Here to Request an Exactech Ankle Recall Consultation
Those with a knee implant subject to the Exactech recall may find that their replacement knee does not withstand normal wear-and-tear as expected. Due to premature oxidization of the soft plastic cushioning of the joint, these implants may not be equipped to withstand the rigors of everyday use, which can lead to unnecessary pain or injury to the patient.
Symptoms of a faulty knee implant include:
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Inability to put weight on your knee
- Grinding or clicking noise in the knee
- Knee instability
Patients who are experiencing any of these symptoms and received a total knee replacement with an Exactech implant may require revision surgery to replace the defective joint.
Click Here to Request an Exactech Knee Recall Consultation
Though the recall on Exactech hip implants is not as extensive as the recall on ankle and knee implants, the company has informed surgeons that their hip devices are still at risk of premature deterioration. Deformities such as those found in the hip implants subject to the Exactech recall can lead to excess pain and eventual injury for hip replacement patients. It can also release foreign debris into the surrounding tissue, causing further damage.
Symptoms of a faulty hip implant include:
- Hip pain
- Stiffness
- Inability to put weight on your hip joint
- Grinding or clicking noise when moving
- Hip instability
Patients who underwent hip surgery and received an Exactech hip implant may find themselves experiencing the above symptoms. As a result, they may require revision surgery to remove and replace the recalled implant.
Click Here to Request an Exactech Hip Recall Consultation
What is Revision Surgery?
Revision joint replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a previously-implanted joint. Revision surgery is often more complicated and difficult to perform due to the unpredictability of removing an old joint replacement. There may be excess scar tissue left over from the first surgery, and a reduction in the amount of healthy bone to work with. Deteriorated implants can lead to infection in the bone, further complicating surgery. Unfortunately, not all patients are good candidates for this potentially risky surgery, which could leave them stuck with a defective Exactech implant for longer than necessary.
What if I have a recalled Exactech implant?
If it is determined that you need revision surgery to replace a joint implant subject to the Exactech recall, your doctor may refer you to the Exactech-Broadspire Helpline for further assistance. However, this course of action will only initiate Exactech’s settlement claims process for out-of-pocket surgery costs, and will not compensate you 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. List of affected implants:
- OPTETRAK® All-polyethylene Tibial Components (TKR & PKR)
- OPTETRAK® Tibial Inserts (TKR)
- OPTETRAK® HI-FLEX® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
- ARTHROFOCUS® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
- OPTETRAK® Custom Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
- OPTETRAK® LOGIC® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
- OPTETRAK® RBK® Polyethylene Tibial Inserts (TKR)
- TRULIANT® Tibial Inserts (TKR)
- OPTETRAK® Logic RBK Tibial Components (TKR)
- Vantage® Fixed-Bearing Polyethylene Liner Component (TAR)
- Vantage® Mobile-Bearing Polyethylene Liner Component (TAR)
If you aren’t sure if your joint replacement implant is subject to the 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.
Falcon Law is Ready to Help
If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of a defective Exactech ankle, knee, or hip implant, or if your doctor has suggested revision surgery on your joint, you may be entitled to compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Falcon Law Firm stand ready to represent you against Exactech for the damage done to your body by recalled implants.