Exatech, the designer and manufacturer of the OPTETRAK comprehensive total knee system, issued an urgent recall for the device in February 2022. The Florida-based company that manufactures joint implants included all of their ankle and knee arthroplasty polyethylene inserts that were packaged in vacuum bags—which the company considered non-conforming bags. This is regardless of the shelf-life or label on the device. The reason given for the recall by the company was the lack of conformity of the bags to the required specifications. It has since been shown that the inadequate packaging of the implant exposed the parts to oxygen before they were implanted into the body. This exposure causes the oxidation of the inserts, which in turn results in their degradation over time. Patients who are recipients of these implants have suffered pain and implant failure, with many facing the possibility of revision surgery. If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a result of the Optetrak comprehensive total knee implant, contact an experienced Exactech recall injury lawyer at our firm for a free consultation about your defective product injury claim today.

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. has over 120 years of combined experience representing victims of defective medical devices. If you have undergone knee replacement surgery since 2010 and were implanted with an Exatech device, we strongly advise you to contact your surgeon and determine if you were affected by the recall. If it is determined that you were the recipient of a device that was recalled, you should contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation with an Exactech knee replacement lawsuit attorney from our law firm to discuss your legal rights and options. 

Knee and Ankle Replacement Devices That Were Included in the Exatech Recall 

Exatech’s recall of ankle and knee replacement devices includes: 

  • OPTETRAK Tibial Inserts 
  • OPTETRAK All-Polyethylene Tibial Components 
  • OPTETRAK Tibial Inserts 
  • VANTAGE Fixed-Bearing Liner Component 
  • TRULIANT Tibial Inserts 

The recall for these products and various others from the company is due to failures in the packaging. It is important that these inserts do not come into contact with oxygen prior to being implanted into the body. However, the packaging used by the company was found to allow air, thus causing oxidation of the inserts and their premature wear. The company recalled products manufactured and distributed since 2020. These products were packaged in vacuum bags that did not contain an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier layer that improves the bags’ resistance to oxygen. 

Complications Linked to the Recalled Exactech Knee Replacement Devices 

The oxidation of the Exactech components means that the parts begin to wear out and may become damaged within the patient’s body. This has resulted in knee implant failure in many patients that received the implants. Patients experience various symptoms, including: 

  • Pain while walking 
  • Swelling of the knee
  • Grinding or clicking sounds when walking or moving the knee 
  • Instability in the knee 
  • Not being able to bear weight on the implant 

Premature implant failure for many patients means that they will have to undergo knee replacement revision surgery. Patients, therefore, not only have to face major surgery once again but also a difficult recovery. There are various economic implications of having to undergo surgery once again. 

At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., we understand the challenges that patients are facing as a result of the recall and implant failure. We are committed to helping patients and their loved ones recover financial compensation for their injuries and damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Exactech recall injury lawyer from our law firm and determine if you qualify for compensation. 

Contact the Epstein Law Firm, P.A. for a Free Consultation with an Experienced Exactech Recall Injury Lawyer 

At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., we are committed to fighting on behalf of those injured through no fault of their own. We fight to defend the rights of those that have been injured as a result of the use of defective medical devices and other dangerous products, including Exatech implants. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Exactech knee replacement lawsuit attorney from our firm. You can rely on our experience and in-depth knowledge of the law to provide you with answers to your questions. We will also provide you with guidance on your legal rights and options. We will provide you with details on what we believe would be the best approach to recover financial compensation for your damages. 

Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Exactech Recall Injuries and Lawsuits

Will I have to get my knee implant replaced?

If you have an Exactech knee replacement device, it is important to consult your doctor—especially if you’re not certain about what type of knee replacement device was used during your knee surgery. A medical examination will determine whether you need immediate treatment, and your doctor can advise you on the best course of action.

If your implant has failed or is showing signs of failure, there is a real possibility that you will need knee revision surgery. Exactech knee replacement devices have been shown to suffer oxidation, which leads to their degradation over time. This means that a good majority of patients who were recipients of the implants will, in fact, need knee revision surgery in the near future.

What should I do if I suspect I am a recipient of an Exactech knee replacement implant?

If you have had knee replacement surgery and suspect that you may be a recipient of an Exactech knee replacement implant, we recommend that you reach out to your surgeon right away and schedule a medical examination. Your surgeon will run several diagnostic tests, including MRIs and x-rays to determine the condition of your implant. If it is confirmed that you were the recipient of an Exactech knee replacement implant, you should consult with an experienced Exactech knee replacement lawsuit attorney at our firm to discuss your next steps for recovering compensation for any injuries you’ve suffered as a result.

At the Epstein Law Firm, P.A., you can consult with a knowledgeable Exactech recall knee replacement attorney during a first-time, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case for free and explain your rights and options to you. We will also help you understand the options available to you for compensation.

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