Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
A problem with Exactech joint replacements that led to one recall in 2021 and an expanded recall in 2022 is now at the heart of a growing number of lawsuits from patients across the U.S. Exactech has recalled about 200,000 knee, hip, and ankle replacements since August 2021 due to an issue with the polyethylene components that can cause them to degrade prematurely.
Surgeons have already implanted over 147,000 of these potentially defective joint replacements, meaning thousands of Americans could be at risk of injuries and medical complications. Plaintiffs filing Exactech lawsuits complain that the implants fail early, leading to a variety of health symptoms and sometimes requiring revision surgery.
Exactech Joint Replacement Recall Details
According to the Legal Examiner, Exactech recalled some of its knee and ankle implants in 2021 due to potential early wear and degradation of the polyethylene liners. In 2022, the recall expanded to include all Exactech knee and ankle implants made in 2004 or later. In addition, the company recalled polyethylene liners used in Exactech hip implants after discovering those were also at risk of early deterioration.
The Exactech recall page lists the following affected knee and ankle replacement products:
- OPTETRAK All-polyethylene Tibial Components (TKR)
- OPTETRAK All-polyethylene Tibial Components (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)
Exactech also recalled the following polyethylene hip liners sold in the United States:
- Acumatch GXL Acetabular Liners
- MCS GXL Acetabular Liners
- Novation GXL Acetabular Liners
- Exactech All Polyethylene Cemented Acetabular Cup
- Acumatch Conventional UHMWPE
- MCS Conventional UHMWPE
The specific product line numbers and descriptions can be found on the Exactech recall information page.
Exactech Joint Replacement Injuries and Symptoms
Many joint replacements can last 20 years or longer. But if the device fails, you can suffer severe symptoms that affect your entire life. When Exactech joints start to wear out and/or malfunction, they can cause a number of warning signs, injuries, and health problems. Exactech joint failure symptoms may include the following:
- Swelling in the joint
- Instability and mobility issues
- Inability to bear weight
- Stiffness
- Bone loss
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Severe pain
- Clicking, grinding, or other noises coming from the joint
People with severe symptoms may require revision surgery, which can be more complicated than the original surgical procedure. Additional surgeries can also result in increased financial costs, recovery times, medical risks, lost wages, and mental and emotional stress.
Massachusetts Exactech Recall Lawyer
If you have a recalled Exactech hip, ankle, or knee replacement and have suffered any negative health consequences as a result, you may qualify for financial compensation. A knowledgeable Exactech joint replacement lawyer can help you seek funds to cover medical bills, missed work, temporary or permanent disability, and pain and suffering.
The experienced Boston attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have been representing people injured by defective medical devices for over 50 years. So if you’re looking for a skilled Exactech implant lawyer, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
