Published by You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Precice Stryde Lawsuit and our lawyers can help. Please click the button below for a Free Confidential NuVasive Lawsuit Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.
Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem with Precice Devices?
According to the FDA, on July 8, 2023, the agency issued a Warning Letter stating that NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics is recalling the following NuVasive Precice System Devices over potential biocompatibility concerns [1].
Stainless Steel (Biodur 108)-Based Precice NuVasive Precice Implants:
- Precice Bone Transport
- Precice Plate
- Precice Stryde
Titanium-Based Precice Devices:
- Precice Freedom
- Precice Intramedullary Limb Lengthening (IMLL) Device
- Precice Short
- Precice Unyte
Related Article: Hip Implant Failure Lawsuit
The FDA has received reports of pain and changes in the surrounding bone and soft tissue in people implanted with the NuVasive Precice Unyte System, which is stainless steel (Biodur 108)-based, FDA said. These adverse events may be related to corrosion, wear, and unanticipated exposure of components that are undergoing compatibility testing. At this time, the FDA is uncertain if the root cause of these adverse events is due to the stainless-steel material or related to design features and materials common to all Precice plate implants.
What is the Precice Stryde Device Used For?
Precice Freedom Medical Devices are indicated for those 18 years of age and older and are used to lengthen the limb, shorten or compress the limb, or transport segments of long bones. The NuVasive Precice System includes adjustable rods that are placed inside a patient and are driven by an internal magnetic mechanism.
Related Article: Magec Rods Lawsuit
What is Biocompatibility?
Potential biocompatibility concerns refer to how the materials and components of a medical device should interact with your body and its biological responses. Any medical device that comes in contact with the human body, either directly or indirectly, is required to undergo biocompatibility testing to determine the:
- The overall safety of the product
- Potential for adverse biological responses
Side Effects of Bio-incompatibility and Statistics
When a medical device has not been properly tested for biocompatibility, it could end up causing harm. Complications from a device that is not biocompatible may include:
- Bone abnormalities
- Pain
- Cancer
- Developmental effects
- Reproductive system effects
- Skin irritation or burns
- Thrombosis
From January 2019 to February 2021, 90 Stryde nails were implanted in 63 patients, with 78 femur and 12 tibia implants.
Radiographic changes occurred in 73% of cases, with an average time to initial changes of 168 ± 108.1 days for femurs and 276 ± 126.8 days for tibias.
Late-onset pain was observed in 11.1% of femur lengthening surgeries, affecting 12.7% of patients, but all pain resolved after implant removal.
Stainless Steel
Patients with stainless steel Precice devices have reported pain and changes in surrounding bone and soft tissue. According to the FDA, these side effects may be related to corrosion, wear, and previously unanticipated exposure of components.
In the FDA’s letter to healthcare providers, the agency said it is working to evaluate new testing to address biocompatibility issues. NuVasive and the FDA are working together to collect more data that can provide insights into the causes of the complications and to make sure patients who currently have a recalled Precice device and external remote control are properly monitored.
At this time, the FDA is not recommending the early removal of devices in people who are not experiencing any reactions to their current stainless steel Precice devices. The agency urges patients and their doctors to check for changes “during routine radiographic monitoring” and pay close attention to any unexpected symptoms, such as pain.
Titanium
So far, the FDA hasn’t received reports of biocompatibility issues stemming from titanium-based Precice devices. NuVasive is currently investigating these devices for potential connections to the adverse events seen with stainless steel devices.
While titanium is known for its favorable biocompatibility, implants made with this metal also have some disadvantages, according to a 2020 study published in Materials.
These include low biologic activity, which reduces the growth of fibrous tissue and allows loosening of the prosthesis, the possibility of metallosis and related inflammation or other allergic reactions, as well as abrasion of the material during operation, the researchers from NIH concluded.
Nuvasive Recall Timeline
- February 2021 – NuVasive issued a nationwide recall for their stainless steel Precice System devices after patients reported pain and changes in the bone tissue around the device, including bony abnormalities between the nail segments.
- April 2021 – NuVasive initiated a recall and manufacturer ship hold on their titanium Precice devices since the company is unaware of the cause of adverse events in the stainless steel products.
- July 8, 2021 – The FDA flagged concerns over biocompatibility with NuVasive Precice devices and urged healthcare providers to monitor recipients.
Which Serious Injuries Are Patients Suing NuVasive Over?
Injuries related to biocompatibility are the main focus of Precice lawsuits, which include tissue reactions, bone problems, and other complications stemming from the body reacting poorly to the implant.
As claimed by a 2021 study published in Acta Orthopaedica, it was specified that patients with Stryde implants experienced pain and abnormal bone growth at the nail junction. The researchers found corrosion/discoloration in 20 out of 23 retrieved nails and also discovered biological material inside the nail [2].
The study’s authors concluded that the design of the screw holes and locking screws may have contributed to the patient’s health problems.
NuVasive is investigating potential health problems, such as cancer, chronic toxicity, developmental toxicity, and reproductive toxicity, linked to biocompatibility problems with its Precice devices.
People with the following injuries may qualify to file a Precice Bone Transport Lawsuit:
- Bone abnormalities
- Bone degradation
- Cancer
- Developmental effects
- Pain
- Reproductive system problems
- Skin irritation or burns
- Tissue death (necrosis) around the implant
- Thrombosis
- Tissue degradation
FDA Recommendation on NuVasive Medical Devices
For patients implanted with any of the above devices, doctors should check for changes in the surrounding bone and soft tissue during routine radiographic monitoring.
When patients have increased pain or other unexpected symptoms, doctors should perform additional radiographs and physical examinations, with special attention to the area surrounding the telescoping junction of the implant.
At this time and based on currently available information, early removal of non-painful, well-functioning Precice devices from asymptomatic patients prior to one-year post-implantation is not recommended, decisions about removing or exchanging the Precice device should be made by health care providers in consultation with the patient or caregiver on a case-by-case basis. The FDA said.
FAQs
What compensation can be sought in a Precice Stryde lawsuit?
Compensation in a Precice Stryde lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to penalize the manufacturer for negligence.
How can patients determine if their complications are related to the Precice Stryde device?
Patients can determine if their complications are related to the Precice Stryde device by consulting with their healthcare provider, reviewing their medical history, and considering whether complications began or worsened after the device was implanted.
Can I join a class action lawsuit if I was affected by the Precice Stryde device?
Yes, individuals affected by the Precice Stryde device may join a class action lawsuit if one is available. Class action lawsuits allow multiple plaintiffs to combine their cases, providing a stronger collective legal action against the manufacturer.
How long do I have to file a Precice Stryde lawsuit?
The time limit to file a Precice Stryde lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. It’s crucial to consult with a lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe to preserve your rights.
See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Nuvasive Precice Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Defective Medical Device Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Precice Stryde Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by a Nuvasive Precice device, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free review. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a NuVasive Precice System Lawsuit and our lawyers can help.
References:
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/update-nuvasive-specialized-orthopedics-precice-devices-letter-health-care-providers
- https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: