Replacement joint manufacturer Zimmer Biomet has announced a recall of one of their NexGen Knee models. The replacement knee joint is causing problems for many patients, and it looks as if many people in Ireland could be affected. The company says the recall of the defective knee joints is voluntary, but Irish patients could be affected if they had the surgery since 2013.
Zimmer Biomet makes replacement joints for all body parts, but so far, the recall only affects those who have had one of their knee replacement joints fitted. The company has identified the faulty joints and has issued a list of the affected model numbers to all orthopaedic surgeons.
Patients who have received a Zimmer Biomet NexGen knee joint since 2013 may experience issues with their replacement knee, such as weight bearing, new pain or constant pain since fitting, swelling around the knee joint and instability with the knee joint. Associated complaints from patients include infections, difficulty in walking, damage to the surrounding nerves, bone loss, and possibly finding that the leg is shorter than the unaffected one.
The problems seem to come from the cement used in the joints, which breaks or cracks under pressure, which is far from ideal with such an important, load-bearing joint.
The knee joint problems were unearthed in a study done by orthopaedic surgeons, which showed a higher-than-normal rate of symptoms reported by patients fitted with the NexGen knee joint since 2013. More than 17% of the patients reported one or more issues, with pain being a constant across all complaints.
Patients in Ireland who have had one of the faulty knee replacements should receive a letter from their orthopaedic surgeon or hospital. The letter will fully outline the problems with the replacement knee joint and ask the patient to come for a consultation with the surgical team. At the appointment, their knee joint will be evaluated to see if they are a candidate for surgery to replace the defective device.
The fitting of a faulty medical device, such as the Zimmer Biomet NexGen replacement knee joint, could be medical negligence. You could need further surgery, suffer unnecessary pain, and have mobility issues due to the faulty medical device, and you may qualify for compensation.
You can contact us at PBN Litigation Solicitors for more information on the NexGen knee joint recall and see if you have a possible medical negligence compensation claim.