With over 4 million people in the US now using artificial knees, it is essential that the manufacturers of knee replacement devices make sure that their products are free from any design defects or safety issues that could cause serious injury to wearers. Unfortunately, there have been numerous problems reported by patients, who many of whom have gone on to file knee replacement lawsuits seeking damages.
Among the safety issues and complications cited by plaintiffs:
• Premature device failure • The artificial knee implant coming loose or giving out • Severe pain • Swelling • Persistent warmth or heat in the knee
• Bone erosion • Limited range of movement
Such complications may force patients to have to undergo revision surgery and costly rehab.
The Zimmer NextGen CR-Flex knee replacement is one of the device systems being heavily linked to high failure rates. Some experts believe that this is because they are attached to the thigh bone with a femoral component that doesn’t use cement, which is why, over time, the devices are detaching or loosening.
Also the target of numerous products liability complaints are different DePuy knee replacement devices, including the LCS Duofix Femoral Component and Hylamer Polyethylene Bearing Surface lines and the DePuy Preservation Knee Replacement implants. If you’ll recall, DePuy Orthopedics, which is a Johnson & Johnson company, has also been named in defective hip implant lawsuits in the wake of the high failure rates and recalls involving its ASR Hip Resurfacing System and ASR XL Acetabular System lines.
Having to go through any type of joint replacement surgery even once can be tough but to have to endure it again while dealing with any resulting pain and complications can take a toll on the body and one’s health. It can alas be very costly in terms of medical expenses and lost wages for time taken off work to recover. You want to work with a Massachusetts knee replacement law firm that understands the extent of your injuries and their causes and knows how to help you recover your compensation.
Nearly 1 in 20 adults over 50 have fake knee, The Portland Press Herald/AP, February 10, 2012
More Blog Posts:
Settlement Reached in Vaginal-Mesh Implant Case, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, August 2, 2012
Defective Medical Device?: DePuy Hip Replacement Recall Leads to Products Liability Lawsuits, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, September 29, 2010 “Metal-on-Metal” Hip Replacement Devices May Increase Cancer Risk, Says Study, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, February 13, 2012