If you or a loved one experienced complications, early implant failure, or required revision surgery following knee replacement with an Exactech Optetrak implant, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to defective knee replacement devices.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Exactech Knee Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Exactech Knee Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Exactech Knee Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for an Exactech Knee Lawsuit?
- Exactech Knee Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Exactech Knee Lawsuits
- FAQs
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Exactech Knee Lawsuit Overview
The Exactech knee lawsuits involve claims against the manufacturer for defective Optetrak knee replacement implants.
Plaintiffs allege these devices fail prematurely, resulting in severe complications and the need for revision surgeries.
The primary allegations focus on design defects, particularly with the “finned” tibial tray models produced in 2011 and 2012, which reportedly fail to properly bond with surgical cement. In 2012, the FDA issued a recall for several Optetrak tibial tray models due to potential mislabeling issues [1].
Related Articles: Exactech Optetrak Knee Replacement Lawsuit
Latest Exactech Knee Lawsuit Updates
January 19, 2018 – A woman from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, filed a products liability lawsuit claiming injuries from a defective Exactech Optetrak Knee replacement device. Plaintiff Diane Stanesic alleges she underwent total knee arthroplasty with the Exactech Optetrak knee implant and subsequently required revision surgery to remove the device due to complications.
October 2, 2017 – A Georgia patient who underwent knee replacement surgery with the Exactech Optetrak implant filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer, alleging that the “device caused him severe and permanent injuries,” as well as the need for rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
FDA Reports and Statistics
In July 2012, the FDA announced a nationwide recall for the Optetrak Cemented Trapezoid Tibial Tray, Size 1F/1T, 2F/1T, and the Optetrak Rotating Bearing Knee Tibial Tray, Finned, Cemented Tibial Tray, Size 2F/1T. According to the FDA, both trays had the potential to be mislabeled.
More recently, reports indicate that approximately 80% of Exactech total knee replacement devices manufactured since 2004 were packaged in defective bags. This defective packaging can cause oxidation over time, leading to potential risks associated with the implants [2].
Exactech Knee Injuries & Side Effects
Patients who received the Exactech Optetrak knee implant have reported numerous complications that often require corrective surgery to address:
- Severe pain: Persistent and debilitating pain in the knee area
- Inflammation and infection: Swelling, redness, and potential bacterial infections
- Bone and muscle damage: Deterioration of surrounding tissue structures
- Implant bonding failure: Loss of or lack of bonding of the knee implant to the bone
- Component issues: Tibial loosening, disassociation of the insert, or changes in the position of components
- Patello-Femoral Tracking-Lateral Release: Improper tracking of the kneecap
- Knee replacement failure: Complete failure requiring revision surgery
Related Articles:
- Knee Replacement Revision Surgery Litigation
- Artificial Knee & Hip Implants May Increase Heart Attack Risk
- Exactech Ankle Replacement Recall
- Medical Devices Attorneys
Do You Qualify for an Exactech Knee Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an Exactech knee lawsuit if:
- You received an Exactech Optetrak knee implant, particularly models manufactured in 2011 and 2012 with the “finned” tibial tray
- You experienced complications such as severe pain, inflammation, infection, or implant failure
- You required revision surgery to remove or replace the defective device
- You have medical documentation linking your injuries to the Exactech knee implant
Evidence Required for an Exactech Knee Lawsuit
To pursue a successful claim, you will need:
- Medical records documenting your original knee replacement surgery
- Documentation of the specific Exactech Optetrak model implanted
- Medical records showing complications and their relation to the device
- Records of any revision surgeries or ongoing treatments
Damages You Can Recover
Compensation in Exactech knee lawsuits may include:
- Medical expenses for revision surgeries and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Possible punitive damages against the manufacturer
Exactech Knee Recall Information
In July 2012, the FDA announced a recall for specific models of the Optetrak Cemented Trapezoid Tibial Tray and the Optetrak Rotating Bearing Knee Tibial Tray. The recall was initiated due to potential mislabeling of the devices.
More recently, Exactech issued recalls in 2021 and 2022 for thousands of hip, knee, and ankle implants due to issues with defective packaging affecting approximately 80% of devices manufactured since 2004.
Statute of Limitations for Exactech Knee Lawsuits
The time limit to file an Exactech knee lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your injury was related to the defective device. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
FAQs
What Is the Lawsuit Against Exactech Knee Replacement?
The lawsuit against Exactech knee replacement is a legal action seeking compensation for injuries caused by the company’s defective knee joint replacement devices. The lawsuits arise from recalls issued by Exactech in 2021 and 2022 due to issues with defective packaging affecting thousands of hip, knee, and ankle implants.
Is There a Recall on Exactech Total Knee Replacement?
There was a recall on Exactech total knee replacements because approximately 80% of these devices manufactured since 2004 were packaged in defective bags. This defective packaging can cause oxidation over time, leading to potential risks associated with the implants.
What Problems Have Been Reported With Exactech Knee Implants?
The problems reported with Exactech knee implants include implant loosening, pain, swelling, and difficulties with mobility. These issues often require additional surgeries to correct or replace the defective implants.
Who Can Participate in the Exactech Knee Class Action Lawsuit?
Individuals who received an Exactech knee replacement and experienced complications such as pain, implant failure, or the need for revision surgery can participate in the Exactech knee class action lawsuit. Eligibility typically depends on the knee implant’s specific model and the complications’ nature.
What is the Optetrak Tibial Tray?
The Exactech Optetrak tibial tray is a device designed for use in total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as arthroplasty. Knee replacement is typically recommended in patients with severe arthritis or knee injuries.
Related Articles
- Knee Replacement Revision Surgery Litigation
- Artificial Knee & Hip Implants May Increase Heart Attack Risk
- Exactech Ankle Replacement Recall
- Medical Devices Attorneys
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Exactech knee implant injuries. Most states have strict statutes of limitations that provide only 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery to file your claim.
The Medical Device Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Exactech knee lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new knee implant failure cases in all 50 states.
Our services include:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you were forced to undergo revision surgery or had other complications from a knee replacement implant, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfres/res.cfm?id=109613
- https://www.medpagetoday.com/orthopedics/orthopedics/103686#:~:text=An%20estimated%2080%25%20of%20knee,components%20packaged%20in%20defective%20bags.