Exactech Hip Replacement Recall

In August 2022, 40,000 Exactech hip replacement recalls were added to a list of defective medical implants already recalled. With the latest recall, more than 250,000 recalled Exactech hip, knee and ankle devices have been implanted in the United States by The Gainesville, Florida company.

Before, in February 2022, Exactech recalled thousands of plastic inserts in knee and ankle replacements.

INFORMATION ABOUT EARLIER RECALLS: READ NOW

Exactech Hip Replacement Recall Information

The Exactech hip replacement recall is like the earlier recalls for failure of polyethylene liners in the devices. The most recent Exactech implants are:

  • Acumatch GXL
  • Novation GXL, MCS GXL
  • Exactech All Polyethylene Cemented Cup
  • Acumatch Conventional UHMWPE
  • MCS Conventional UHMWPE
  • Novation Conventional UHMWPE

Typically, hip or knee implants last for 20 to 40 years or longer before wearing out. Instead, the Exactech polyethylene wears out sometimes in 2 or 3 years. As a result, patients may require revision surgery or replacement.

Exactech Hip Replacement RecallThe recalls have been blamed on faulty packaging since 2004, allowing the product to be exposed to oxidation. In turn, oxidation can result in cellular reaction, with polyethylene particles causing bone loss, called osteolysis, which can have no symptoms. Also, Osteolysis can cause the bone to deteriorate, making surgery and rehabilitation challenging, and sometimes causing permanent disability.

In addition, Exactech announced in June 2021 that it would phase out the polyethylene ExactechGXL Connection liners used in its Novation, Acumatch and MCS systems. Liners infused with Vitamin E will replace them. The announcement was not a recall. Instead, the GXL liner may be at risk for higher wear rates.

In the past, Exactech has had other problems with its joint replacements. The Optetrak Knee System introduced in 1992 has higher revision rates compared to other knee replacements. A whistleblower lawsuit alleges the company knowingly gave faulty knee replacement devices to Medicare, Medicaid and Department of Veterans Affairs patients.

What to do if You have a Recalled Hip Replacement?

Exactech recommends doctors closely monitor patients for osteolysis and excessive wearing. To do so, they will use X-rays and other tools to look for excessive wear or bone and tissue damage. Contact your doctor to see if your implant has been recalled.

Patients can also look up the implant serial number, which should be in your medical records, on Exactech’s website, or call 888-912-0403.

Patients should look for:

  • Joint swelling
  • Prolonged pain
  • Grinding
  • Instability
  • Loss of weight-bearing ability.

While Exactech is offering to cover out-of-pocket medical costs for recalled products, signing the company’s agreement to compensation may limit your rights. Exactech has a responsibility to make their products safe. Our experienced medical device lawyers can help you navigate your options for compensation. The consultation is free.