Since 2021, Exactech has recalled almost 200,000 knee, hip, and ankle implants following reports that the joint replacement failed much earlier than expected. Our firm is reviewing and signing potential cases in the Exactech recall lawsuit.
Medical device manufacturers like Exactech are legally obligated to ensure their products are safe and free of harmful flaws or defects. No person should suffer due to a defective medical device.ย
If you or a loved one suffered side effects of a hip, knee, or ankle implant, contact an Exactech recall lawyer at Gerling Law for a free, no-obligation lawsuit consultation to learn more. We will serve as your zealous advocates who will fight to maximize the compensation you deserve to restore your quality of life.
FDA-Recalled Exactech Ankle, Hip, & Knee Replacements
In August 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a sweeping Exactech knee and ankle recall. This recall affected all knee and joint replacement systems manufactured after 2004 because the polyethylene plastic insert components included in their replacement systems had defective packaging. The recalled Exactech knee and ankle replacements were packaged in a way where the materials became susceptible to oxidation. This oxidation can lead to early degradation and lead to total failure. The recalled implants may fail while implanted in the body because the liners degrade and fail early, potentially leading to bone loss and revision surgery.ย
Exactech also issued an Exactech hip replacement recall of certain orthopedic hip-implant components due to similar issues that can lead to injuries. In June 2021, the FDA issued a recall to patients who received Exactech GL Connexion acetabular polyethylene hip replacement liners. Patients are at risk for serious injury related to device failure.ย
List of Recalled Exactech Productsย
The defect identified in the Exactech hip, knee, and ankle recall has been confirmed in the Optetrak, Truliant, and Vantage hip and knee product lines and certain hip-implant components, including the following:ย
- 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,
- Acumatch GXL Acetabular Liners,
- MCS GXL Acetabular Liners, and
- Novation GXL Acetabular Liners.
Exactechโs recall information provides a complete listing of products involved in the recall, and Exactech provides a look-up for the serial number of devices involved. You can also contact your physician, who will check the serial number of your component against the list of affected Exactech devices.
Side Effects of Exactech Implant Failures
The FDA identified several complications associated with the recalled Exactech implants. Side effects from replacement products involved in the Exactech knee replacement recall, Exactech ankle replacement recall, and the Exactech hip replacement recall may include:ย ย
- New or worsening pain while walking;
- Lack of stability;
- Inability to bear weight;
- Swelling in or around the replaced joint;
- Premature wear;
- Clicking, grinding, or other noises from the implant; and
- Dislocation.
Due to the high risk of failure, faulty Exactech hip, ankle, and knee replacement victims may have to endure costly revision surgery to repair or replace the defective product. The symptoms of a loose knee, hip, or ankle can be so painful and difficult to manage that corrective revision surgery is required to repair or replace the defective insert to improve the quality of life.ย
Exactech Recall Lawsuit
In October 2022, the United States Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation approved the consolidation of Exactech lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL). If your case qualifies for the Exactech MDL, your attorney can help with the following legal processes:
- Determining whether you are eligible to take legal action during a free case consultation;
- Gathering evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf;
- Filing your Exactech lawsuit within the deadline for the statute of limitations; andย
- Pursuing compensation through a settlement or a lawsuit.ย
An Exactech recall attorney can guide you through the legal process while you focus on the most important thing, recovery.
Eligibility to File a Claim Against Exactech
If you suffered side effects from an Exactech knee, hip, or ankle product included in the recall, you have several options.ย
Exactech retained a settlement adjusting company to oversee a claims reimbursement process for out-of-pocket expenses and costs associated with recalled products. However, you may be entitled to more compensation through an Exactech lawsuit settlement or verdict. You may be able to recover financial compensation for damages, including the following:
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering, andย
- Related medical expenses.ย
Before you decide on a course of action, you should speak with an attorney about your case to increase your chances of a favorable outcome. It is important to note that the settlement adjusting company does not represent your interests. Therefore, discussing your case with an experienced personal injury attorney who can explain your rights before signing any releases is critical.ย
You have only a certain amount of time to file an Exactech ankle, knee, or hip replacement lawsuit due to your stateโs applicable statute of limitations. Itโs important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing side effects from the implant. You cannot take legal action for your injuries if you miss the deadline.
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Contact an Exactech Recall Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you had a knee, hip, or ankle replacement with a recalled Exactech product and have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, contact your physician immediately. If you are unsure whether you received a component affected by the recall, we can review your records and let you know if you have a case. If you are told you need revision surgery, make sure that the surgeon knows that you must preserve all removed component parts as a part of the legal investigation.
Under any circumstances, you should speak with a lawyer about your legal options.
Gerling Law Can Hold Exactech Accountable
Gerling Law is actively investigating and pursuing claims against Exactech. We handle mass torts nationwide, so we can help you with your case no matter where you reside. With over 50 years of experience, our lawyers have helped thousands of injured victims and their loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.
Gerling Lawโs staff of attorneys, paralegals, and case support personnel have extensive experience handling mass torts. They stand ready to give you the individual attention your Exactech hip, knee, or ankle recall case deserves.
Our firm is well-established, with decades of experience fighting for injured victims. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you have no upfront costs. We only get paid when you receive compensation. A team member can determine your eligibility to take legal action during a free case view. Contact Gerling Law today for a free, no-obligation Exactech Hip, Knee, and Ankle recall lawsuit consultation.