Exactech Knee Replacement

WHAT KNEE REPLACEMENTS ARE PART OF THE EXACTECH RECALL?

The defective components affected by the Exactech recall include the following:

• OPTETRAK® All-polyethylene Tibial Components
• OPTETRAK® Tibial Inserts
• OPTETRAK Logic® Tibial Inserts
• TRULIANT® Tibial Inserts
• VANTAGE® Fixed-Bearing Liner Component

Since 2004, over 60,000 units each of OPTETRAK® and OPTETRAK Logic® components have been implanted in patients in the U.S. Approximately 25,000 units of the TRULIANT® inserts and 1,500 of the VANTAGE® Fixed-Bearing Liner Components implanted in patients are also affected by the recall.

If you are not sure whether you received a component affected by the recall, you should contact your physician who will check the serial number of your component against the list of affected devices provided by Exactech.

Legal Options for Exactech knee replacement cases

Exactech has committed to assisting patients with certain out-of-pocket costs related to clinical follow-up and any revision surgery that may be necessary. However, you may be entitled to more compensation than Exactech is offering. You may be able to recover for damages including:

• Possible compensation you could receive includes:
• Costs due to doctor visits.
• Medication reimbursement.
• Nursing and other related care costs
• Money for days you were not able to work due to your injury.
• Money for future income you cannot make if your injury does not allow you to work.

Issues with the exactech Knee Replacement device

Exactech found that one of the packaging layers for the polyethylene insert used in the total knee replacement did not conform to specifications. It found that the layer may allow oxygen from the air to diffuse into the plastic insert before it is implanted in the knee. When a large amount of oxygen spreads into the plastic insert during storage, it can lead to oxidation before the insert is implanted.

Oxidation can wear out prematurely and damage the plastic after it is implanted in the patient’s body, causing injury. Without the plastic insert, there is no cushioning to absorb the impact of movement, causing pain and injury to the patient.

Parts of a standard total knee replacement

Knee replacements are made up of different parts. A standard total knee replacement is made up of four parts:

The femoral component

A metal piece that attaches to the thigh bone.

The tibial tray

A metal piece that fits into the shin bone.

The patellar component

A piece of plastic that fits onto the kneecap.

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.

Symptoms of an Exactech knee device failure

Your surgeon may contact you if they are concerned about the knee replacement device that you received. However, do not wait to hear from your surgeon if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• New or worsening knee swelling
• Pain while walking
• Inability to bear weight
• Grinding or other noise in the knee
• Instability
• Clicking in your knee

get Help with your Knee Replacement Claim

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys stand at the forefront of representation for individuals impacted by Exactech Knee Replacement complications. Our firm boasts a formidable team of legal experts skilled in the complexities of medical device litigation. With a deep understanding of the challenges presented by defective knee replacements, we are exceptionally positioned to navigate the intricacies of these cases.

Whether negotiating settlements or pursuing trials, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are committed to securing the compensation and justice that our clients rightfully deserve.