Zimmer Knee Replacement Claims Center
We are handling Zimmer knee replacement lawsuits. Call 800-553-8082 or get a free online consultation here.
Overview of Zimmer Knee Lawsuits
Zimmer Holding makes the NexGen CR-Flex knee replacement system. This implant device is somewhat unique in that it was designed to adhere to the patient’s bone without the use of adhesive cement, which is commonly used in knee replacement devices. The implant affixes to the bone using a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy and metal fiber that was created to mimic human bone material. It appears that the tibial plate portion of the implant that affixes to the thighbone becomes loose causing a host of problems. In September of 2010, the tibial component of this knee implant was recalled.
These problems were first reported in 2006, when surgeons Dr. Richard Berger and Dr. Craig J. Della Valle reported concern over the device’s unusually high failure rate. Zimmer blamed the failure rate on the surgeon’s technique in implanting the devices. The two doctors released a study that confirmed what they suspected. Dr. Berger implanted the device in 125 patients. While it was anticipated that the implant would last up to 15 years, a large number of implants were failing within the first year. In fact, 9.3% of the devices failed within the first two years, and 36% of these patients experiencing loosening of the device. Additionally, over ½ of the original 100 patients experienced other side effects. The doctors concluded, “This component is still commercially available but should not be used for any patient.” Since the release of the device on the market in 2003, over 150,000 knee implants have been sold.
Common side effects experienced with this device include persistent pain and inflammation, loosening, infection, dislocation, blood clots and complete failure of the implant.
In September 2010, the FDA issued a Class 2 recall of certain component parts of the NexGen Complete Knee Solution MS. This implant is commonly prescribed for patients that have experienced trauma, arthritis or other deformities.
Symptoms of knee implant failure can include:
- Persistent knee pain;
- Stiffness;
- Difficulty performing weight bearing activity;
- Inflammation;
- Decreased range of motion.
So far, the reasons for these problems are unknown. Currently, the Zimmer NexGen recall deals with the tibial plate portion of the replacement device, although other problems are being reported. If you have received a Zimmer knee replacement device and are experiencing symptoms of loosening or failure, visit our website for more information Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement Lawsuit: Lawyers for NewGen CR-Flex Claims Around the Country, or contact us at 1-800-553-8082.
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