Exactech Recall
Overall, joint implants are a great option for those who suffer from chronic pain or permanent damage in their knee, ankle or hip. Unfortunately, sometimes these products can have manufacturing issues that result in premature failure.
In February 2022, Exactech (a company that creates joint replacement implants and instruments) expanded the recall they issued last year to include “all knee and ankle arthroplasty polyethylene inserts packaged in non-conforming bags regardless of label or shelf life,” according to an Exactech recall notification. They have recalled nearly 148,000 knee / ankle replacements and roughly 90,000 hip replacements.
Recalled Exactech knee and ankle replacements include:
- Optetrak All-Polyethylene CR Tibial Components
- Optetrak All-Polyethylene PS Tibial Components
- Optetrak CR Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak CR Slope Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak PS Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak Hi-Flex PS Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak Logic CR Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak Logic CR Slope Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak Logic CRC Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak Logic PS Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak Logic PSC Tibial Inserts
- Optetrak Logic CC Tibial Inserts
- Truliant CR Tibial Inserts
- Truliant CR Slope Tibial Inserts
- Truliant CRC Tibial Inserts
- Truliant PS Tibial Inserts
- Truliant PSC Tibial Inserts
- Vantage Fixed-Bearing Liner Component
If you’re unsure if you are affected, you use can use Exactech’s website to look up the serial number of your implant.
Why Are Exactech Joint Replacements Being Recalled?
According to Exactech, knee and ankle replacements manufactured since 2004 using polyethylene plastic inserts were packaged in “out-of-specification” bags. This could have allowed oxygen to reach the plastic lining of the insert. Increased oxygen exposure could cause severe degradation of the liners, causing premature wear. An insert that was suppose to last for 15-20 years, is now degrading in 5-10 years.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified the recall as a Class II. Potential injuries associated with the recalled knee, hip and ankle liners include early failure, bone loss and component fracture that could lead to revision surgery. Revision surgery is a more complicated surgery than a primary joint replacement and often requires longer surgery times and special equipment.
Does the Exactech Recall Affect You?
Surgeon’s who implanted Exactech inserts may have received a notification from the manufacture regarding the recall. If you believe you could have been affected, you could schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the recall news with your doctor or primary care provider. Can you also use the Exactech website if you have your product information already.
Signs of Wear on Joint Implants
Those affected by the recall have typically gone through a revision surgery to correct the damage caused by the faulty implant after suffering through certain symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, make sure to notify your doctor. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Strange noises or sounds coming from your implant area (knee, ankle or hip)
- Inability to bear weight
- Instability
- Pain while walking
- Swelling in the joint area
- Pain while initiating movement
- Dislocation
- Loosening of the joint
Our experienced attorneys for Exactech knee replacements or hip replacements can help you get the compensation you need
Like other product liability cases, you should discuss all of the risks and benefits of potential revision surgery with your doctor. If you don’t have immediate problems from your implant, your doctor may elect to monitor for future changes.
Some patients may choose to contact Exactech to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs, such as medical bills from doctor visits or potential revision surgery. These claims with the manufacture may not cover all of the damages accrued during the ordeal. Our firm is currently accepting Exactech claims, and patients may choose to file Exactech replacement lawsuits for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. We will help you through each step of the process to make sure you are well taken care of.
Information on Exactech Cases We File
Our attorneys and support staff will stop at nothing to get you all the compensation you deserve for your damages. A typical Exactech case we file includes the following:
- A defective Exactech branded implant (Knee / Hip / Ankle)
- It was implanted in the year 2004 or later.
- You had a revision to your implant or spoke to a doctor about scheduling a revision surgery
- You’ve experienced symptoms like the ones listed above
Not sure if your implant fits these criteria? You can give us a call, chat with us using the chat feature on the homepage, or email us to discuss your situation and learn whether you have cause to pursue an Exactech lawsuit.
