Ken’s Car Accident
Ken shares his testimonial as a Shunnarah client after a car accident.
What Is Bone Cement?
Bone cement is used in prosthetic surgeries to fill the gaps between a prosthetic and the bone. The cement is designed to allow some give as excessive weight is put upon the joint. The type of joint will allow different amounts of force in the give, and these factors are to be taken into consideration. Problems with the cement will reveal themselves in aseptic tibial loosening, marked by chronic pain and knee instability.
High-viscosity cement is more frequently associated with aseptic loosening. While these types of cement are preferred by orthopedic surgeons because of how quickly mix and reach set up points, there long-term durability of the bond is in question.
If you think that you need legal help due to defective knee cement, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help with the following:
Risks associated with Bone Cement Failure
There are many risks associated with bone cement failure. When you call Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for your free consultation, our legal experts will ask you about your experience and some of the following common risks.
Knee revision surgery
Bone cement failure often leads to ‘knee revision,’ a follow-up surgery after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While knee revision surgery is typically expected around 15-20 years after the TKA when the original prosthetic device fails, around 50% of the thousands of knee revision surgeries done each year are done within 2 years of a TKA. Many of these early surgeries can be attributed to bone cement failur, exacerbated by additional strain on the joint by a variety of factors. These factors can include obesity or the stresses of athletic/competitive sports.
Aseptic tibial loosening
Bone cement failure can lead to a condition known as aseptic tibial loosening. This loosening (called ‘asceptic’ as it is not related to an infection) expresses symptoms localized to the replaced joint including chronic pain and inflammation that affecting the joint’s range of motion and a general sense of knee instability.
Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS)
Bone cement implantation syndrome occurs when an individual natural body responds to some or all of the bone adherent materials. BCIS is characterized by hypoxia (lack of oxygen), hypotension (low blood pressure) or both. Additional symptoms may include cardiac arrhythmias, increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and cardiac arrest. Older patients are the most at risk of BCIS, though it does occur in other populations. New information is emerging as the exact cause of BCIS is not yet known.
Additional risks include:
- Limited range of motion
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Fat/marrow emboli
- Blood clots
- Cardiac arrest
- Chronic pain
- Hyptotension (low blood pressure)
Knee Cement Brands Implicated in Post-Surgical Complications
A small list of knee cement brands that have been involved in complications after surgery include:
If one of these brands manufactured the cement in your knee and you have experienced complications, contact Shunnarah now.
Find a Shunnarah Location
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys handles cases in all 50 states. Find a location or attorney to assist you with your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQ to get the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about knee cement.
What is knee cement, and why are there issues with it?
Knee cement, also known as bone cement, is a substance used in orthopedic procedures to anchor artificial joints and prosthetics to bones. Problems can arise when the cement fails to properly bond, leading to loosening, dislocation, or even fracture of the joint. Issues with knee cement can stem from defective product formulation, improper mixing, or incorrect application during surgery. These defects can lead to severe pain, decreased mobility, and the need for additional surgeries.
How do I know if my knee replacement issues are due to defective knee cement?
Symptoms of a failing knee replacement that might be linked to defective knee cement include persistent pain, swelling, instability, or unusual sounds (like popping or grinding) from the knee area. If you experience these issues, especially shortly after surgery, it may indicate a problem with the knee cement. Consulting with a medical professional for a thorough examination and possibly imaging tests will help determine the cause of the failure.
What should I do if I suspect my knee replacement failure is linked to bad knee cement?
If you suspect that your knee replacement complications are due to faulty knee cement, it is important to gather all medical records related to your knee surgery and follow-up treatments. Consult with a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical device litigation. They can help review your medical history, establish a connection between your injuries and the knee cement used, and advise on the best legal steps to take.
What types of compensation might I be entitled to in a knee cement lawsuit?
If your knee replacement issues are linked to defective knee cement, you may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses for corrective surgeries, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. In some cases, if negligence is proven, punitive damages may also be awarded. The exact compensation will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injury and the impact on your daily life.
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