Exactech Knee and Ankle Replacement Recall

Over 147,000 of Exotech’s Optetrak, Truliant, and Vantage knee and ankle replacement devices were recalled after reports that the products were stored improperly and arrived at consumers as defective, significantly heightening the risk of future knee replacement problems. According to the recall, the Exactech polyethylene inserts sold with Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, and Truliant total knee replacements were transported in vacuum-sealed bags that allowed oxygen to diffuse into the replacement and warp them. While this wouldn’t cause an issue initially, the device breaks down over time and can potentially fail, leaving the patient to pick up the pieces on their own. If you received any of the following knee or ankle replacement devices, you could be eligible to join the lawsuit against Exotech:

• Optetrak All-polyethylene Tibial Components
• Optetrak Tibial Inserts
• Optetrak Logic Tibial Inserts
• Truliant Tibial Inserts
• Vantage Fixed-Bearing Liner Component

If you’re unsure of what replacement product you received, you should contact the medical professional responsible for the procedure and check the serial number of your replacement product with the list of affected products. Those who find that their knee or ankle replacement device is defective should speak with their doctor about their options and contact a trusted attorney to ensure you aren’t responsible for the financial burden. 

Anyone who’s received an Exotech knee or ankle replacement device since 2004 is potentially at risk of replacement failure and knee problems. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact a medical professional to determine the extent of the damage:

• New or aggravated ankle/knee swelling
• Difficulty walking
• Ankle/knee pain
• Clicking, grinding, scraping, or other noise in ankle/knee
• Inability to balance
• Lack of ability to bear weight

All of the previously mentioned symptoms are potentially red flags for ankle/knee replacement problems. Once the replacement fails, it can cause the ligaments and cartilage in the knee or ankle to grind up against each other, rapidly increasing the rate of degradation and leaving the patient with more health problems than they had before the replacement. Here are a few health problems associated with defective knee/ankle replacement devices:

• Accelerated knee wear
• Bone damage/loss
• Debris production
• Ligament/cartilage damage
• Loss of mobility/ability to walk

Recalls for medical equipment are significantly more problematic than traditional product recalls, as the damage is internal and more challenging to correct. Anyone who’s had a defective ankle or knee replacement device implanted will likely require additional surgery to repair the damage, and as we know, this is an expensive and traumatic task to undertake. These patients thought that their ankle or knee replacement device would heal their problems and allow them to live a life without pain and discomfort, but Exotech’s negligence has robbed them of that benefit. Instead, they now have to deal with even more health issues, all because an organization that should have had their backs failed to ensure the safety of their products before shipping them to consumers.

Product liability violations occur many times per year, but not all of them involve medical devices that are surgically implanted within patients. Exotech’s negligence has placed lesser products inside of patients' bodies and caused them to endure pain and discomfort after a procedure that was supposed to help improve their condition. Our product liability attorneys understand that, without your proper compensation, you’ll be forced to shoulder the financial burden on your own, which is unfair considering you opted into the procedure under the belief that it would improve your health condition. While you might be stressed, in pain, and frustrated with your situation, there is hope, as you can potentially recover damages through a successful product liability lawsuit. 

Previous lawsuits concerning defective knee and ankle replacement devices have netted victims anywhere between $50,000 and $250,000, including compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Your specific recovery for the Exotech lawsuit will depend on the severity of your harm, but you can maximize your compensation by teaming up with an experienced attorney. They’ll work with you every step of the way, always ensuring that your interests are placed at the forefront of the litigation and fight for every penny you’re owed. Not only that, but you’re also helping to hold a negligent manufacturer accountable for endangering the wellbeing of its customer base and setting an example for other organizations to follow in the future. 

Anyone who’s received an Exactech knee replacement since 2004 is potentially at risk for knee replacement failure and associated health concerns. You can check if your replacement device is defective online at the FDA’s website, where you can input the name of your product and compare it to their list of defective devices. Additionally, you can also contact the surgeon or medical organization that handled your procedure, as they’ll have medical records containing specific information about the replacement device you received. Both resources will allow you to stay up to date with the latest medical device recalls and, most importantly, keep you and your family safe from the consequences of defective products.

Exactech recently recalled its Optetrak, Truliant, and Vantage products after reports from consumers that the plastic inserts are defective. According to the recall, the replacement devices were shipped in vacuum-sealed plastic bags that allowed oxygen to diffuse into the inserts and warp them, making them significantly less effective than previously believed. Many individuals who have had these devices implanted within them are now finding themselves with worsening knee damage and significant discomfort. These Exactech patients opted into their procedure under the belief that it would alleviate their knee pain and allow them to return to a normal life. Instead, they now have even more health concerns because a negligent organization failed to maintain keen observation over the production and shipment of their product. 

The plastic packaging on Exactech’s Optetrak, Truliant, and Vantage products allowed oxygen to diffuse into the replacement device and prematurely wear them down. When a doctor would open the package prior to implantation, the device was already defective, causing hundreds of patients to endure pain and discomfort. Patients who received a defective Exactech knee replacement product may experience:

• Knee swelling
• Pain while walking
• Inability/difficulty bearing weight on the implant
• Grinding, clicking, or other unusual sounds
• Instability/difficulty maintaining balance

Most patients with defective Exactech products will need to undergo surgery to repair the damage, which is often expensive. You can do significant damage to your financial security by paying for the damage from your own pocket, but with the help of one of our product liability attorneys, you can recover the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Anyone who had an Exactech Optetrak, Truliant, or Vantage replacement implanted should speak with their doctor about whether or not the device needs to be replaced, even if you aren’t feeling any discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s even more important to speak to a doctor, as these symptoms are likely early warning signs of knee replacement failure. In some cases, replacement failure symptoms can arise years after your procedure, so monitoring your health and well-being for any symptoms is always a good idea.
 

Over 140,000 Exactech knee replacements were implanted from 2004 to date, almost two decades since doctors started using these devices. Unfortunately, no one knew of the problems with Exactech’s products until February of 2022, and even the most skilled medical professionals were unaware of the danger. Although it’s easy to be frustrated with the medical professional who handled your procedure, they likely had no idea either, and they’re probably just as frustrated as you are. 

The specific amount you’ll recover from your lawsuit will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. Generally, the victims of Exactech’s negligence can expect to recover all the damages they sustained as a result of their defective knee replacement, including but not limited to:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damage
• Diminished/loss of earning capacity

If you have any damages outside of the previously listed ones, you should make sure to bring them up to your attorney as you’re discussing your case. You might find that you’re eligible to recover your unique damages, which is always better than paying for the damage from your own pocket.

Exactech’s hip and ankle replacement devices were shipped in the same packaging as the knee replacement equipment, causing all of the products to arrive at doctor’s offices as defective. The individuals who received the hip or ankle replacement are dealing with the same set of circumstances, and they need an ally in their corner. Fortunately, our attorneys are also accepting claims for those harmed by Exactech’s hip and ankle replacement devices, as no one should have received a defective product in the first place. 

Some people are hesitant to file a lawsuit against Exactech because they fear that taking legal action is costly, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. At Morgan & Morgan, we believe that everyone should have the ability to afford comprehensive legal representation during an uncertain time in their life, regardless of the size or severity of the situation. Rather than further your financial burden with legal fees, we take our fee from the favorable settlement or jury award at the end of your case. That’s right; the fee is free when you team up with Morgan & Morgan. Not only does this keep the costs low on your end, but it also centralizes everyone around one singular goal: getting you the best possible results in your legal challenge.  

Anyone who’s received an Exactech knee, ankle, or hip replacement device since 2004 should first speak with a medical professional to determine if they need additional surgery to replace the defective device, especially if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort. Next, you should speak with an attorney about your legal options, as you could be eligible to file a lawsuit against Exactech and recover damages. If you find that you qualify, our product liability attorneys will stand by your side every step of the way, ensuring that your best interests are put at the forefront of our efforts. While a lawsuit won’t reverse the harm you’ve experienced, it can give you the best possible chance of returning to your everyday life as soon as possible, which can be priceless after dealing with pain for so long.

In the most difficult moments of your life, Morgan & Morgan has your back. There is no reason that any manufacturer should sell products that are dangerous to use for their intended purpose, especially one within the medical industry. Exotech should have put more forethought into their production process and transported their products safely, but instead, they chose to act negligently, exposing thousands of innocent consumers to a risk of injury. The burden of the situation isn’t yours to bear, and anyone who was harmed by Exotech’s negligence should speak with an attorney to see if they’re eligible to recover damages. 

Morgan & Morgan’s product liability team has the necessary experience, knowledge, and resources to help anyone advocate for their full and fair compensation, even when the odds seem grim. Our firm stands as an ally to the victims of this defective product and all others in the future. If you were harmed by an Exotech ankle or knee replacement device, our attorneys are only a phone call away. Contact us today for more information on how to join the lawsuit against Exotech.