Exactech devices use polyethylene parts that were packaged (pre-implantation) in defective vacuum bags. The apparent defect in these bags could allow oxidation of the parts, which could severely degrade the product and increase the risk that the devices would fail once implanted into a patient’s body. As Exactech has stated in its recall notice and in court filings, the oxidation could cause “accelerated wear debris production and bone loss, and/or component fatigue cracking/fracture, all leading to corrective revision surgery.” This “corrective” revision surgery can be more complicated and painful than original implantation surgery. If you or a loved one have experienced an injury due to Exectach devices, you may be eligible to file a claim that can provide financial compensation to help cover any medical expenses and lost wages.
The following are symptoms of the device failure include:
The FDA issued a recall of several devices including Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, and Truliant knee replacement products, Vantage ankle replacement products, and the Connexion GXL Hip LinerExactech made after 2004. This recall came after discovering that defective packing was causing a polyethylene insert component to degrade. This packaging defect caused many Exactech knee implants to fail prematurely. This replacement failure has forced and will force many patients to undergo unnecessary corrective surgery
Both knee replacement surgery and knee revision surgery have the primary goal to relieve a patient’s pain, improve the function of their knees and their quality of life. However, the knee revision surgery is a longer, more complex procedure. It requires extensive planning to remove and replace one or more components of the implant.
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a special federal legal procedure designed to speed the process of handling complex litigations by consolidating cases and addressing all pretrial procedures in one court.
The chosen district court will oversee discovery and pretrial litigation, ultimately ensuring that consistent rulings follow.
After pretrial proceedings are completed, a few cases that are representative of the issue at hand will be selected for bellwether trials.
Bellwether trials are a small consolidation of lawsuits, taken from the larger group of similar cases in an MDL, to be tried first.
The bellwether trial is essentially a practice run to help anticipate the results of the future similar cases.
If you or a loved one suffered side effects of an Exactech ankle, hip, or knee implant, contact us today. Our team is skillfully trained in recovering significant damages for clients. Let us help you today.
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