Knee and ankle replacements are made up of different parts. A standard total knee replacement is made up of four parts:
- The femoral component – a metal piece that attaches to the thigh bone
- The tibial tray – a metal piece that fits into the shin bone
- The patellar component – a piece of plastic that fits onto the kneecap
- The tibial polyethylene insert – a plastic insert that fits between the femoral component and the tibial component, and acts as the new cushion for the replaced knee joint.
More Info:
| Exactech Knee Recall Lawsuit |
A standard total knee replacement is made up of three parts:
- The tibial component – a metal piece that attaches to the shin bone
- The talar component – a metal piece that girls into the foot bone
- The polyethylene insert – a plastic insert that fits between the tibial component and the talar component and acts as the cushion or cartilage for the replaced ankle joint.
Exactech found that one of the packaging layers for the polyethylene insert used in both the total knee replacement and the total ankle replacement did not conform to specifications. It found that the layer may allow oxygen from air to diffuse into the plastic insert before it is implanted in the knee or ankle. When a large amount of oxygen spreads into the plastic insert during storage, before the insert is implanted, it can lead to oxidation. Oxidation can wear out prematurely and cause damage to the plastic after it is implanted in the patient’s body causing injury to the patient. Without the plastic insert, there is no cushioning to absorb the impact of movement causing pain and injury to the patient.
What are the Symptoms of an Exactech Knee or Ankle Failure?
Your surgeon may contact you if they are concerned about the ankle or knee replacement device that you received. However, do not wait to hear from your surgeon if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- New or worsening ankle swelling
- New or worsening knee swelling
- Pain while walking
- Inability to bear weight
- Grinding or other noise in the knee or ankle
- Instability
- Clicking in your knee or ankle
Your surgeon will examine you and conduct x-rays to determine the condition of your plastic insert. The results of your surgeon’s evaluation of your x-rays and your symptoms will determine if you need revision surgery or what further action is required in your case.
What is Exactech Offering?
Exactech has committed to assisting patients with certain out-of-pocket costs related to clinical follow-up and any revision surgery that may be necessary. However, you may be entitled to more compensation than Exactech is offering. You may be able to recover for damages including:
- Lost wages if you missed or will miss work because of your ankle or knee replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Related medical expenses
How much compensation you can recover will depend on the specific facts of your case.
