Each year, approximately 700,000 Americans undergo knee replacement surgery. For those who suffer from advanced osteoarthritis and other painful joint diseases, a knee replacement offers a new chance for an active life. Before surgery, severe knee pain may have limited a patient’s activities. While there are some restrictions after knee replacement surgery, most patients are able to travel, exercise in moderation, and enjoy a full and active life not possible before the knee replacement.
Most people who receive knee replacements experience reduced pain and increased activity. However, for some, these benefits don’t last. Several knee replacement devices have been recalled because they are not sufficiently durable and early failure means an increased risk of expensive knee revision surgery.
Some recalled knee implant systems include:
- DePuy LCS Knee Implant-Meniscal device: Recalled because label errors stated the wrong size.
- DePuy LCS Duofix Femoral Component: Recalled because of pain, swelling and increased revision rates in patients who had received the implant.
- DePuy PFC Sigma Knee Systems: Recalled after the FDA discovered the product did not have proper approvals.
- Zimmer NexGen LPS, CR and MIS Knee Replacement Systems: Recalled because studies found these knee replacement components experience premature wear leading to early knee revision surgery.
- Zimmer Natural Knee System: Recalled because newer models were experiencing early failure.
- Stryker Scorpio CR and PS knee replacement components: Recalled due to mislabeling.
When a knee implant fails, the only option is knee revision surgery. During knee revision surgery, the defective artificial knee is removed and is replaced with a new prosthetic knee. As with all surgeries, there are risks, including blood clots, infection and bone damage. There is no guarantee that the new knee will last.
Patients who experience premature knee replacement failure have a right to expect the manufacturer of the artificial knee to cover the expense of the knee revision surgery, the new knee joint, follow-up care, lost income, and any pain and suffering or disability caused by the defective knee joint. Salt Lake City defective medical device attorney James Esparza can help. To learn more about Utah defective medical device lawsuits or to schedule a free consultation, contact the James Esparza Law Firm at 800-745-4050.