Exactech Hip, Knee and Ankle Replacement Recall
A defective medical device lawyer you can count on
Getting a joint replacement is a major surgery with significant impact on your health and quality of life. That’s why we expect medical device manufacturers to hold themselves to high standards. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
In 2021 and 2022, medical device manufacturer Exactech, Inc. issued recalls for certain hip, knee, and ankle replacement products, which may affect thousands of patients. We are actively reviewing cases on behalf of injured patients who had one of the following Exactech joint replacements:
- A hip replacement implanted between 2008 and June 2021.
- A knee replacement implanted between 2004 and February 2022.
- An ankle replacement between 2017 and February 2022.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You had a revision surgery within 10 years of the original implant date, or
- You have received an Exactech recall letter, or
- You have been a patient of an Exactech surgeon or surgeon group.
If you need an Exactech recall lawyer, call Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law today. Get your free, confidential consultation with an experienced product liability attorney.
What is the safety issue with Exactech defective products?
The Exactech recall concerns polyethylene plastic inserts that cushion the metal components in hip, knee, and ankle replacements. Some of the products affected by the Exactech recall include the Optetrak Partial Knee Replacement, the Optetrak Logic, the Truliant Total Knee Replacement, and the Vantage Total Ankle Replacement, as well as many hip replacements.
Unfortunately, the packaging used on these inserts allowed them to be exposed to oxygen, which can cause them to degrade and in turn cause the entire device to fail. Patients with recalled implants may suffer the following complications:
- Joint swelling
- Grinding
- Pain
- Bone loss
- Instability in the joint
Fortunately, serious health consequences are unlikely, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That’s why these devices are subject to a Class 2 recall, which means the device may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. However, the cost of revision surgery to fix a defective implant, not to mention the pain and suffering associated with a failed joint replacement, can still be substantial. That’s why patients have legal recourse.
What to do if your Exactech knee, hip, or ankle implant is recalled
If your joint replacement is on the recall list or you’re experiencing complications, you need to take two steps right away. First, call your doctor and make sure you have a plan to address the complications. Then, contact an Exactech recall lawyer who can explain your legal options.
Depending on your circumstances and the effects the defective medical device has had on your life, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including revision surgery
- Lost wages and lost future earnings due to your medical complications
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost quality of life
While you’re not legally required to have a lawyer, it’s absolutely in your interest to get legal representation. The laws pertaining to the Exactech Optetrak recall are complex, and the manufacturer has teams of attorneys protecting its interests. You need an experienced defective product lawyer on your side to level the playing field and explore all your legal options, whether that’s negotiating a settlement or filing an Exactech lawsuit.
Remember, you need to act quickly to start an investigation and take legal action before important deadlines expire. If you’ve been affected by the Exactech recall, contact us for a free, confidential consultation.