Exactech Recall Information & Lawsuit: How to File a Claim

Joint replacement systems are supposed to help patients get better, not worse. If an implant that was supposed to heal you injures you instead, the manufacturers should be held responsible for any conduct that led to the product failure.

Exactech, Inc. has recalled hundreds of thousands of knee, ankle, and hip implant products due to health risks for patients.

Patients who had the defective Exactech products implanted in them may be exposed to premature wear of device components. This can present serious problems, including pain, bone loss, decreased joint functioning, and other symptoms, often requiring corrective revision surgery.

Affected Exactech products include:

• Exactech Optetrak Knee Replacement
• Exactech Optetrak Logic Knee Implant
• Exactech Truliant Knee Replacement
• Exactech Connexion GXL Hip Implant Liner
• Exactech Vantage Ankle Implants

The dangers presented by these defective implants are unacceptable. When it comes to your own body, you expect only the safest, most rigorously tested implant products and materials to be manufactured.

If you or a loved one were injured by an Exactech knee, hip, or ankle implant, you may be entitled to a legal remedy. Contact the experienced lawyers at Osborne, Francis & Pettis at (561) 293-2600 for a free consultation. Continue reading to learn more about the issues associated with Exactech products.

Why Is the Exactech Knee Implant Being Recalled?

Exactech has recalled hundreds of thousands of its knee and ankle implants. The company recently issued letters to patients who have received their ankle implant products (years 2017-2022) and knee implant products (years 2004-2022).

While reviewing their manufacturing process, Exactech found that one of the packaging layers for implant inserts was out of specification. The defective packaging was allowing oxygen to diffuse into the plastic insert before the knee or ankle implant surgery. If enough oxygen diffuses into the plastic piece before insertion, it can create conditions of oxidation.

Oxidation basically causes plastic implant parts to wear out prematurely or become damaged more quickly once implanted into the patient’s body.

Normal plastic implant inserts are supposed to be smooth and clean. However, inserts that have been subject to oxidation and retrieved from patients’ bodies were found to be rough and worn, thus compromising the structure and function of the entire knee replacement system.

Exactech knee products may be 3 to 7 times more likely to fail compared to other brands of knee replacement systems.

Why Is the Exactech Hip Implant Being Recalled?

Exactech hip liners are linked with early deterioration after the implant process. The liner goes into the cup of the hip socket, allowing it to interact with other hip replacement components.

Early wear of an Exactech hip implant liner can cause osteolysis of the femur bone and adjoining hip socket.

Osteolysis is a serious condition wherein bone tissue is progressively destroyed. During this process, the bones lose calcium, soften, and degenerate. They eventually become weaker and brittle, placing the patient in pain and at risk of more harm.

A defective hip implant component can seriously damage the patient’s hip joint, resulting in the need for corrective revision surgery. Revision surgery is often painful and burdensome on the patient, who is already experiencing joint problems, to begin with.

Studies characterize the damage caused by Exactech products as “extreme” and “catastrophic.” The damage can happen in an average of five years after surgery and In some cases less than a year after the product was implanted.

Each patient is different, and many different factors may affect the wear of the hip implant liner. For instance, medical information indicates that increased physical activity may be connected with an Exactech hip implant failure.

What Types of Symptoms Are Associated with a Failed Exactech Implant?

Defective Exactech knee or hip implants can cause severe, serious symptoms like:

• New or worsening swelling of the knee, ankle, or hip implant site
• Intense pain and discomfort while walking or moving
• Decreased ability to bear weight
• Loss of range of motion
• Clicking or grinding noises
• Instability of the joint
• Stiffening of the surrounding muscles
• Loss of bone tissue

These types of symptoms are serious and can completely alter a person’s ability to enjoy life normally. They can cause unnecessary medical expenses, more time off of work, and other challenges requiring legal action.

If you were fitted with an Exactech joint replacement product and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that your implant is defective. If so, seek medical attention immediately and contact our law firm at (561) 293-2600 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our attorneys have extensive experience in litigating defective product claims and can provide you with advice on how to pursue a legal claim.

How Do I Join the Exactech Recall Lawsuit?

Medical implant injuries can be painful and can prevent you from accomplishing the things you enjoy doing daily. If you or a loved one were injured due to an Exactech knee, ankle, or hip implant, there are several important steps you need to take.

Following these steps can help you prepare properly for your claim. If you are unsure of how to compile these items, a defective medical products lawyer can guide you through the process.

To verify your defective Exactech implant, you should gather the following:

• The date of your Exactech implant surgery
• The name of the surgeon who performed the operation
• The serial number of your joint implant device (you can still start a claim even if you don’t have this)

You may look up the serial number of your specific implant at https://recall.exac.com/. The serial number can also be found in your medical records.

Preparing for an Initial Consultation

When meeting with your attorney for an initial consultation, it is tremendously helpful to make a written account of your injury and the timeline of how it happened. You should write down:

• When and why you originally received the Exactech implant
• When you started noticing symptoms
• What impact the symptoms have had on you (unable to work, sit, etc.)

You can also speak with an Exactech representative by calling their helpline at (888) 912-0403. However, to protect your own interests, it is highly recommended that you contact a lawyer before trying to reach out to them. Understand that their representatives will have the company’s interests in mind before yours.

Our attorneys can advise you on this process, and if you are unable to do so yourself, they can handle preparations on your behalf.