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Knee replacement patients who received the Exactech Optetrak implant have reported suffering adverse health complications, including failure of the device due to tibial insert wear.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one had problems following knee replacement surgery, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
If you or a loved one experienced severe pain, inflammation, infection, bone damage, muscle damage, loosening of implants, or required revision surgery following knee replacement with an Exactech device, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to defective Exactech knee implants. 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
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the lawsuit against Exactech knee replacement?
- Is there a recall on Exactech total knee replacement?
- What problems are associated with the Exactech knee replacements?
- What is the settlement amount for Exactech knee lawsuits?
- What knee replacement systems are affected by the Exactech recall?
- What alternatives exist to total knee replacement?
- How do I know if my Exactech knee implant is failing?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Exactech Knee Lawsuit Overview
The Exactech knee lawsuits center on allegations that defective packaging caused premature failure of knee implant systems. Over 1,100 patients have filed lawsuits claiming that faulty packaging led to oxidation of the polyethylene insert components, causing device failure. The Optetrak line of implants has been sold in the U.S. market since 1994, with approximately 140,000 knee and ankle replacement systems affected by the recall.
Related Article: Knee Replacement Revision Surgery
Latest Exactech Knee Lawsuit Updates
December 14, 2022
– A product liability lawsuit recently filed in Tennessee alleges that packaging problems caused the premature failure of an Exactech Truliant after a polyethylene insert degraded, resulting in the need for revision surgeries only a few years after the device was implanted. [1]
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Plaintiff Billy Hursey, who claims he received an Exactech Truliant Posterior Stabilized Knee System in July 2021 during a joint replacement surgery.
After suffering from pain, instability, synovitis, and swelling, which ultimately resulted in his inability to walk, Hursey had the implant removed during revision surgery in August 2022.
During the operation, the surgeon noted that the tibial insert was damaged along the medial edge, which the lawsuit claims was a direct result of the packaging defects.
As a result of Defendants’ failure to properly package the Truliant Device prior to distribution, the polyethylene liner prematurely degraded and Plaintiff Billy Hursey required revision surgery due to severe pain, swelling, and instability in the knee and leg, the complaint states. These injuries were caused by early and preventable wear of the polyethylene insert and resulting component loosening and/or other failures causing serious complications including tissue damage, osteolysis, permanent bone loss and other injuries. Stated Hursey.
January 19, 2018
– A woman from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania filed a products liability lawsuit claiming she was injured by a defective Exactech Optetrak Knee replacement device. Plaintiff Diane Stanesic underwent total knee arthroplasty with Exactech Optetrak knee implants and subsequently required revision surgery to remove the implant.
October 2, 2017 – A patient who underwent surgery with the Exactech knee replacement system filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer, alleging the “device caused him severe and permanent injuries,” as well as the need for rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
Related Article: Exactech Knee Class Action Lawsuit
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), in July 2012, the agency 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. Both trays had the potential to be mislabeled [2].
Exactech Knee Injuries & Side Effects
Patients with Exactech knee implants have reported numerous serious complications requiring medical intervention or revision surgery.
- Pain and Mobility Issues: Severe pain, reduced range of motion, swelling, loss of mobility
- Implant Failure: Disassociation of the insert, tibial loosening, change in position of components
- Tissue Damage: Inflammation, infection, bone damage, muscle damage
- Functional Problems: Instability, trouble balancing, lack of bonding of implants to bone
Do You Qualify for an Exactech Knee Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an Exactech knee lawsuit if:
- You received an Exactech knee implant after 2004 (when defective packaging began)
- You experienced complications such as severe pain, inflammation, infection, bone damage, muscle damage, or implant failure
- You required revision surgery to remove or replace the Exactech knee implant
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the Exactech device
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 complications experienced after receiving the Exactech implant
- Medical records from revision surgery, if applicable
- Documentation showing that an Exactech device was used in your procedure
Damages You Can Recover
Our lawyers estimate that the settlement value for successful Exactech lawsuits is between $100,000-$225,000. These estimates are based on the average compensation payouts in other tort cases involving severe knee injuries from Exactech knee replacement systems.
Damages may include:
- Medical expenses for revision surgery and ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Exactech Knee Recall Information
Exactech has issued a sweeping recall of knee and ankle replacement systems after discovering that they contained a defective plastic insert component causing premature failure [3].
The insert systems have been around since 2004 and were used in approximately 140,000 knee and ankle replacement surgeries. The Exactech insert systems affected by the recall include:
| System | Release Date |
| OPTETRAK® | 1994 |
| OPTETRAK Logic® | 2009 |
| TRULIANT® | 2017 |
| VANTAGE® | 2016 |
Exactech issued the recall after discovering that the polyethylene insert components of all systems made after 2004 were packaged in defective vacuum-seal bags, causing oxidation of the polyethylene insert material.
Statute of Limitations for Exactech Knee Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing an Exactech knee lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered that your injuries were caused by a defective Exactech knee implant. These deadlines are strict, and failing to file within the specified timeframe can result in losing your right to pursue compensation permanently.
It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing complications with your Exactech knee implant to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lawsuit against Exactech knee replacement?
The lawsuit against Exactech knee replacements is centered on over 1,100 patients who have sued the company due to defects in the packaging of its joint replacement devices. The faulty packaging led to exposure of plastic components to excessive oxygen, which could cause significant complications after implantation.
Is there a recall on Exactech total knee replacement?
There is a recall of Exactech total knee replacements because approximately 80% of knee and ankle replacement devices manufactured since 2004 were packaged in defective bags. This faulty packaging can lead to oxidation over time, increasing the risk of complications.
What problems are associated with the Exactech knee replacements?
The problems that are associated with the Exactech knee replacements is that they were packaged in defective bags, which can cause oxidation of plastic components. This can lead to implant failure, pain, and the need for revision surgery.
What is the settlement amount for Exactech knee lawsuits?
Our lawyers estimate that the settlement value for successful Exactech lawsuits is between $100,000-$225,000, based on average compensation payouts in similar cases involving severe knee injuries from defective medical devices.
What knee replacement systems are affected by the Exactech recall?
The Exactech knee replacement systems affected by the recall include OPTETRAK® (released in 1994), OPTETRAK Logic® (released in 2009), TRULIANT® (released in 2017), and VANTAGE® (released in 2016).
What alternatives exist to total knee replacement?
Alternatives to total knee replacement include weight loss and exercise, physical therapy, knee injections with hyaluronic acid, acupuncture, and arthroscopic surgery, which is far less invasive than total knee replacement.
How do I know if my Exactech knee implant is failing?
Signs of Exactech knee implant failure may include knee pain, reduced range of motion, swelling, loss of mobility, and instability or trouble balancing. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.Related Articles:
See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys have taken on.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for defective Exactech knee implants. Don’t delay in seeking the compensation you deserve. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
- Payment only if we win your case