In February 2022, Exactech recalled thousands of plastic inserts used in knee and ankle replacements. The plastic can wear early, leading to failure and necessary revision surgery.
The Exactech recalls affect Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, Truliant and Vantage knee and ankle replacement systems. The product packaging did not protect the inserts from oxygen exposure that can cause plastic to degrade and fail.
Knee and ankle inserts manufactured since 2004 are impacted by the recall, with nearly 150,000 devices implanted.
Additionally, a summer 2021 recall was issued for Exactech Connextion GXL acetabular liner hip replacements. These recalls were necessary due to early failure of the liner from wear and tear.
Potential problems can include accelerated wear, debris production, bone loss, component fatigue and cracking or fracture requiring surgery.
The FDA classified the Exactech recalls as Class 2, which means the products can cause temporary and medically reversible health issues.
Patients with the recalled knee or ankle implants may have new or worsening swelling, pain while walking, inability to bear weight, grinding or other noises and should contact providers for an evaluation.
Know Your Legal Rights for Exactech Recalls
Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure that their products are safe and do not cause harm. The Exactech recalls acknowledge that certain products were defective and are subject to high failure rates. As a result, these failures can cause pain and require additional surgery.
Patients with failed, recalled Exactech implants can file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Financial compensation can include monetary damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses and damages for lost income.
Exactech has a claims process available for patients. However, patients who chose to file a claim with Exactech may waive their right to file a product liability lawsuit against the company. As a result, talk to one of the Southwest Florida medical defect device lawyers at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz before agreeing to anything with Exactech. That will help ensure you do not lose your rights to compensation.
If your recalled Exactech knee, ankle or hip replacement implant failed and you had to undergo corrective surgery, our lawyers can help you. Get a free consultation today.