Zimmer, a joint replacement manufacturer, has been having trouble recently with some of its knee replacement products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website[1] lists over 100 Class 2 recalls for components of Zimmer Knee Replacement systems within the last few years. (A Class 2 recall is issued when a product can cause a temporary---but serious-health risk.)
The reasons for the recalls include:
- Parts detach during surgery.
- Parts do not properly attach during surgery.
- Parts are mislabeled "left" and "right."
- Parts are incorrectly positioned or missing.
- Parts are so difficult for the surgeon to insert that the entire device is damaged during surgery.
- Parts of the replacement knee come apart after surgery.
- The replacement knee itself comes loose after surgery.
- Manufacturing defects of some parts result in increased wear and "debris generation." (i.e., particles of the artificial joint wear off within the patient.)
Complications can include:
- Pain
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Bone loss
- Longer surgery
- Additional or "revision" surgery
If you have received a knee replacement in the last few years, you should contact your doctor to determine the model of your implant. This should be done even if you are not presently experiencing any negative side effects because serious problems could arise at any time. If it turns out that you are in fact depending on a potentially defective knee replacement implant, you should take action to protect your rights.
Remember - there may be a limited timeframe in which to make a claim and if you hesitate to file suit within the specified time limit, you may lose your opportunity forever. At Brown & Crouppen, our team of attorneys can help you pursue financial compensation for the pain, suffering, and medical costs that you have sustained as a result of these knee replacement devices. Call Brown & Crouppen toll-free: 888-842-7944 for your free legal consultation, or save time with our online contact form.
[1] http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRES/textsearch.cfm using search text "Zimmer knee."
