Exactech Recalls Another Dangerous Medical Implant
This latest recall of 40,000 hip implant systems comes on the heels of a challenging year for Exactech. In 2021, Exactech recalled thousands of ankle and knee implants because they contained defective parts. Before that, Exactech had problems with their Optetrak knee replacement implants.
Now, the recalled hip implants seem to have a similar problem and are causing patients to need the defective devices surgically removed and replaced.
What Implants Are Part of the Newest Exactech Recall?
The recall affects the following products manufactured by Exactech Inc:
- Acumatch GXL Acetabular Liners
- MCS GXL Acetabular Liners
- Novation GXL Acetabular Liners
- Exactech All Polyethylene Cemented Acetabular Cup
- Acumatch Conventional UHMWPE
- MCS Conventional UHMWPE
- MCS Conventional UHMWPE
Why Did Exactech Recall Hip Implants?
The recalled hip implants contain polyethylene inserts, a critical part of the medical devices. In a letter regarding the recall to patients, Exactech explained,
“Exactech learned that these polyethylene inserts can potentially become oxidized prior to and after implantation into the body. Oxidation is a natural chemical process that occurs when materials are exposed to the oxygen in the ambient air. In the case of these Exactech hip polyethylene inserts, the oxidation levels in the plastic are higher than desired. If a large amount of oxidation takes place prior to and after the plastic liner is implanted into the patient’s hip joint, it can cause the plastic to wear out earlier than expected or to become damaged after it is implanted into the patient’s body.”
Recalled Defective Medical Implants Have Caused Injuries
Exactech confirmed in their letter that these plastic inserts have worn out earlier than expected in some patients, which can lead to the need for evaluation and treatment for pain and swelling. In some cases, revision surgery is necessary.
Some indications that the hip implant may fail prematurely include instability, pain while walking, pain in the groin area, swelling, grinding noises, inability to bear weight, or new clicking sounds. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might need revision surgery.
Degraded polyethylene can also cause bone loss which might make for complications with surgery and rehab.
Alonso Krangle, LLP is Evaluating Exactech Lawsuits
Did your surgeon implant a device that Exactech has recalled? If you have experienced complications with a recalled medical device that required revision surgery, you might be entitled to file a lawsuit and collect damages for your injuries.
Our lawyers have experience filing lawsuits against manufacturers of defective medical devices on behalf of injured people.
We are reviewing Exactech lawsuits now.
Call Alonso Krangle, LLP today at (800) 403-6191 to find out if you are eligible to file an Exactech lawsuit and collect compensation for your injuries.