Update: Pennsylvania Woman Alleges Complications from Exactech Knee Replacement
January 19, 2018 – A woman from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, claims in a new products liability lawsuit that she was injured by a defective Exactech Optetrak Knee replacement device. The suit was filed by Plaintiff Diane Stanesic, who alleges that she underwent a total knee arthroplasty with a defective Exactech Optetrak knee implant. As a result of problems with the device, Stanesic needed revision surgery to remove the device, according to the lawsuit.
What’s the Problem?
Since 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received multiple reports of Exactech Optetrak knee replacements failing prematurely. This problem has been linked to a change in the design of the implant Exactech made in 2011 and 2012, which involved a “finned” tibial tray that some believe may not properly bond with surgical cement. In most cases, early failure of an Optetrak knee can only be corrected with revision surgery, which is typically far more painful and time-consuming than the initial procedure.
Knee Replacement Complications
- Severe pain
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Bone damage
- Muscle damage
- Loss of / lack of bonding of the knee implant to the bone
- Tibial loosening
- Disassociation of the insert
- Change in position of the components
- Patello-Femoral Tracking-Lateral Release
- Knee replacement failure
- The need for revision surgery
Exactech Optetrak Knee Recall
In July 2012, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 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 may be mislabeled, according to the FDA.
I’ve Been Injured by an Exactech Knee Replacement. Can I File a Class Action Lawsuit?
Although we are a nationally recognized class action firm, the Products Liability Litigation Group is currently only filing individual lawsuits on behalf of people alleging injuries from Exactech Optetrak knee replacements. It has been our experience that in this type of complex medical device litigation, class action claims typically result in low-ball settlement agreements, inferior compensation for class members, and higher attorney fees. Contact our lawyers today to discuss an individual claim and the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
Symptoms of Knee Implant Failure
If you underwent knee replacement surgery and are now experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may indicate that the implant has failed:
- Knee pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling
- Loss of mobility
- Instability or trouble balancing
Why Do Knee Replacements Fail?
While most knee replacement surgeries are successful and work for many years or even decades, certain implants have been reported to fail early. In the case of the Optetrak knee, failure has been attributed to the finned tibial tray Exactech produced in 2011 and 2012, which many believe may not properly bond with surgical cement. Knee replacement failures may occur for a number of other reasons, including:
- Wear and tear with subsequent loosening of the implant
- Infection
- Instability
- Fracture
- Stiffness
Do I Have an Exactech Knee Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Exactech knee lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new knee implant injury cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you had complications or were forced to undergo revision surgery after a knee implant procedure, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and we can help.