Exactech Implant Recall Lawsuits

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced recalls in August 2021 on Exactech knee, hip, and ankle replacements that contained polyethylene parts.

Packaging errors on the device have been found to cause the oxidation of polyethylene parts:

• Oxidation can degrade polyethylene inserts over time, leading to the potential need for revision surgery.
• Exactech said that the degradation and premature wear of polyethylene inserts cause a "statistically significant" rate of failure in their implants.

Products included in the Exactech recall date back to as early as 2004.

Due to the sheer amount of implants included in the Exactech recall, coupled with the dangers these implants may pose, lawsuits are expected across the United States.

What Exactech products are recalled?

According to the Exactech recall notice, the recalled products include both various lines of knee and ankle replacements as well as hip implant components:

• Recalled knee and ankle replacement product lines include Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, Truliant, and Vantage.
• Recalled hip replacement products include liners for certain MCS, Acumatch, and Novation product lots.

Contact your doctor with any questions about the Exactech recall.

How do I know if I have a recalled Exactech Implant?

Many patients do not know how the implant used for their knee replacement, ankle replacement, or hip replacement was produced.

Many patients also don't know whether the implant had a potentially faulty insert or not.

We suggest asking your doctor or orthopedic surgeon for an updated copy of your medical records to determine the implant type and serial number.

From there, you can check the Exactech recall website to cross-reference your information with their recall documents.

About Exactech

Exactech is a global medical device company headquartered in Gainesville, Florida.

Exactech produces medical implants, instruments, and technologies related to joint replacement and joint replacement surgery.

In 2005, Exactech started packaging inserts in non-conforming bags with no secondary barrier of polyethylene vinyl alcohol.

Without enhanced oxygen resistance, the implants have the possibility of oxidation resulting in premature wear.

Summer 2021 Recall

Exactech recalled their Connexion GXL hip replacement liner after a patient reported premature wear due to the oxidative damage.

The Exactech recall concerns the degradation and premature wear of polyethylene inserts that can result in various types of injuries, and can lead to the need for revision surgery to repair damaged bone and joints.

Exactech Knee, Ankle and Hip Replacement Injuries & Side Effects

Certain polyethylene Exactech knee, ankle and hip replacements or liners may loosen or disintegrate in the body.

Symptoms of faulty joint replacements may include:

• Swelling near implants.
• Pain when walking, standing, getting up or lying down.
• General discomfort, especially in joints.
• Bone loss/degradation.
• Feelings and sounds of grinding, clicking, and instability in joints.

Revision Surgery

Corrective revision surgery is a replacement procedure of faulty implants in the knee, ankle, and hip.

Revision surgery can be physically and emotionally taxing on a patient.

To undergo one implant surgery is costly enough, but to undergo corrective revision surgery years afterward can add even more stress to a patient.

Revision surgeries can include:

• Knee replacement surgery/total knee replacements
• Hip replacement surgery/total hip replacements
• Ankle replacement procedure/total ankle replacements

Other Conditions

Synovitis

Medical researchers have found that there is also some correlation between synovitis and polyethylene joint replacements.

Synovitis is a medical condition that involves inflammation of synovial tissue that runs through joint tissue.

The swelling can cause painful symptoms in the area of the knee.

If synovitis lasts a prolonged period of time, the joint may be permanently damaged.

Osteolysis

Osteolysis is a progressive medical condition where bone tissue is destroyed.

There can be many causes of osteolysis

But, in terms of joint replacement surgery and implants (and particularly the recalled Exactech Implants) these medical devices can degrade - allowing bones and joints to rub against one another.

This causes your actual bones and joints to deteriorate and weaken over time.

You may be eligible to file a legal claim if you have an Exactech knee, ankle, or hip implant, or have suffered injuries related to a failed implant or their related defects.

Exactech is in the process of distributing letters to surgeons on the recalls as more information is coming out.

Surgeons are then expected to dutifully inform patients who have received Exactech Implants of the associated dangers.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for an Exactech Recall Lawsuit, contact us to receive a free case evaluation.

TorHoerman Law offers free, no-obligation case consultations for all potential clients.

Can I file a lawsuit against Exactech if I don't receive a letter?

Yes, you can file an Exactech Recall Lawsuit if you do not receive a letter.

Exactech's recall letter is not issued to consumers or manufacturers.

Instead, individual surgeons have a responsibility to educate those affected by a recall from Exactech.

Generally speaking, people who have relocated or lost contact with a physician will continue to receive updates from their former medical professional.

If a doctor resigns from their position at a hospital, Exactech could fail to notify affected patients they have served.

Finding the right personal injury lawyer to represent you in an Exactech Recall Lawsuit is an extremely important decision that should be made with caution.

Your legal representative will be able to simplify the legal process and work with you to strengthen your claim.

Hiring an attorney with a decorated history of success, who has your best interest in mind, and is adept in handling an attorney client relationship is key in ensuring a strong case and claim for compensation.

Assessing Damages

An experienced attorney and their law firm will help you assess your damages. 

They may even be able to help you receive a higher amount of financial compensation than you previously thought possible - depending on the circumstances of your lawsuit.

It is important to discuss your case with an attorney to determine your state’s statute of limitations on your potential lawsuit.

Reach out to a professional Exactech Recall lawyer at TorHoerman law today to find out what steps you should take toward filing a legal claim.

The Civil Litigation Process is very time-consuming and requires keen attention to detail as well as extensive knowledge of legal jargon.

It can be overwhelming for those who are already having to deal with coping with complications and trauma from their injuries.

With the help of an experienced law firm, you should begin gathering evidence that will support your claim in court.

The amount of compensation that you may be awarded can fluctuate depending on your ability to provide evidence and prove the liability of another party for the injuries that you have suffered.

Furthermore, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you attempted to treat your injuries to the best of your ability.

Gathering Evidence

Gathering evidence is a crucial step in building a strong case.

Evidence includes any documentation or records pertaining to your injuries and your defective medical devices.

Evidence may include:

• Photos and videos
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Incident reports
• Lost wages as a result of the injury and medical care

Contact an attorney who is experienced in personal injury cases to gain personalized insight as to what evidence should be collected in order to build a strong case.

Mitigating Injuries

Mitigation is a critical element to any personal injury claim.

If you wait too long and the statute of limitations of your case expires, you may not be eligible to file a lawsuit or receive any compensation.

Proper steps to mitigation include:

• Receiving an official injury diagnoses
• Seeking medical treatment for injury
• Following your doctor’s orders
• Discussing revision surgery, if you doctor says it is safe and in your best interest
• Doing everything in your power to minimize the extent of your injuries

Mitigation is a very important step in building a strong, honest claim.

Hip, knee and ankle replacements are relatively popular surgeries in the United States.

Certain medical issues like arthritis can cause the degradation of cartilage and cause immense pain.

Doctors will often recommend the insertion of implants or other medical devices to ease pain and help with the structural integrity of the joint.

Why are Joint Replacements Needed?

Joint replacements can be needed for a variety of reasons.

The three (3) most common reasons people may need a joint replacement are:

1. Osteoarthritis

The most common need for joint replacements stem from osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in joints wears down over time, leading to symptoms including bone loss, trouble walking or changing position, and more.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that often calls for surgeries like knee replacements, ankle replacements, and total hip replacements.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks its own joint tissue, and in late stages, renders joints inoperable and can affect other parts of the body.

3. Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis is the disruption of blood flow to joints, often resulting in the death of bone tissue and the collapse of a joint.

Osteonecrosis can lead to arthritis and bone loss.

Hip, knee and ankle replacements are vital medical operations that can drastically improve somebody's life if done correctly.

In the event that you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a faulty Exactech knee, ankle, or hip replacement, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

TorHoerman Law's team of expert personal injury attorneys specialize in faulty medical device litigation.

Let us fight for you!

We have won more than $4 billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements for our clients.

Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis.

This means that you do not owe any amount of payment until you have been justly compensated for your losses.

The road to recovery from personal injuries is tough, but you do not have to go through it alone.

The TorHoermal Law team focuses on fostering a constructive attorney client relationship and will work hard for your case.

Contact us today to find out your legal options and how we can help you!

TorHoerman Law - the law firm you can trust for your Exactech Lawsuit.