Birmingham Exactech Recall Information & Lawsuit Lawyers

Exactech Issues Recall for Knee, Ankle, and Hip Implant Products

When you receive a medical implant, you expect to be made better, not worse. If the device that was supposed to heal injures you, the manufacturers should be held responsible for any subpar conduct that led to the product failure.

Hundreds of thousands of knee, ankle, and hip implant products have been recalled by Exactech, Inc. due to serious health risks for patients.

Patients who received the defective Exactech implants may be exposed to premature wear of the device components, which can present serious problems. These include pain, compromised joint functioning, bone loss, and other symptoms, often requiring corrective surgery.

Affected products include:

  • Exactech Optetrak Knee Replacement  
  • Exactech Optetrak Logic Knee Implant  
  • Exactech Truliant Knee Replacement  
  • Exactech Connexion GXL Hip Implant Liner
  • Exactech Vantage Ankle Implants

The health risks these defective implants present are unacceptable. When it comes to something as precious to you as your own body, you expect only the safest, most rigorously tested and manufactured implant products and materials to be used.

If you or a loved one were injured by an Exactech implant you may be entitled to a legal claim. Contact an injury lawyer at Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann at (205) 322-8880 for a free consultation. Read on to learn more about the issues associated with these products.

woman holding her knee because she is in pain


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What Types of Damages Are Available in an Exactech Implant Recall Lawsuit?

Legal action for an injury caused by a defective Exactech implant can help you recover losses caused by the defective device. A lawsuit can provide financial support for:  
  • Additional treatments and therapy
  • Lost wages from missing workPain and suffering
  • Loss of the ability to generate income
  • Costs not covered by regular insurance
  You are much more likely to obtain the damages award you deserve if you have a lawyer on your side helping you with your case. If you need representation, get in touch with us at (205) 590-6963 for a no-cost consultation. Contacting us is the first step toward obtaining justice and holding the proper parties liable.

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Why Is the Exactech Knee Implant Being Recalled?

Exactech has recalled hundreds of thousands of its knee and ankle implants. The company recently issued letters to patients who have received their ankle implant products (years 2017-2022) and knee implant products (years 2004-2022).

During a review of their manufacturing process, Exactech determined that one of the packaging layers for the implant insert was out of specification. This can allow oxygen to diffuse into the plastic insert before it is implanted into the knee or ankle. If enough oxygen diffuses into the piece before insertion, it can lead to oxidation.

Oxidation can then cause the plastic implant part to wear out earlier or become damaged after implantation into the patient’s body.

Normal plastic implant inserts are smooth and clean; however, oxidated inserts retrieved from patients’ bodies have been found to be rough and worn, thus compromising the structure and action of the entire implant. Certain Exactech products may be 3 to 7 times more likely to fail compared with other knee replacement systems.

How Do I Know if an Exactech Knee or Ankle Implant Has Failed?

Oxidated Exactech knee or ankle inserts can cause symptoms such as:

  • New or worsening swelling of the knee or ankle implant site
  • Pain while walking or moving
  • Compromised ability to bear weight
  • Grinding or other noises
  • Joint instability
  • Clicking of the knee or ankle

If you have had an Exactech total knee or ankle replacement are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign that your product was affected by the oxidation issue. If so, contact a lawyer at (205) 322-8880 for further advice on how to pursue a claim.

Exactech knee or ankle implant issues may require the need for additional surgery (called “revision surgery”) to correct the defective part. This can cause additional medical expenses, more time off of work for recovery, and other challenges requiring legal action.

ankle xray

Why Is the Exactech Hip Implant Being Recalled?

Exactech Connexion GXL hip liners have been associated with early deterioration. The liner is inserted into the cup of the hip socket so it can interact with other Exactech hip replacement components. Early wear of the hip implant liner may lead to osteolysis of the femur bone and hip socket.

Osteolysis is a progressive condition where bone tissue is destroyed. During this process, bones lose calcium and other minerals and soften, degenerate, and eventually become weaker and brittle.

Thus, the Exactech hip implant defect can seriously damage the patient’s hip joint, resulting in the need for corrective revision surgery. Studies have characterized the damage as “extreme” and “catastrophic” and can happen in an average of five years after surgery. In some cases, the damage occurred less than a year after the product was implanted.

Each patient is different, and various factors may contribute to or affect the wearing of the hip implant liner. Medical information also indicates that increased activity may be connected with the implant failure.

How Do I Know if an Exactech Hip Implant Liner Has Failed?

The following symptoms may be an indication that the Exactech Connexion GXL hip implant liner has failed:

  • Stiffness of the muscles in the area
  • Hip pain
  • Limited range of motion
  • Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting
  • Weakening or loosening of the hip joint
  • Destruction or loss of bone tissue

These types of injuries are serious and can completely change a person’s life experience. If you are experiencing any of these conditions or symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, and get in touch with an attorney who can further advise you on your next steps.

How Do I Join the Exactech Recall Lawsuit?

Injuries from a medical implant can be painful and can limit your ability to go about your daily life as you please. If you or a loved one believe you were injured due to an Exactech knee, ankle, or hip implant, there are several steps you should take.

Following these steps can help you prepare the proper materials for your claim. If you are unsure of what to do or how to gather these, a defective medical device lawyer can provide you with assistance.

To verify that you have a defective Exactech implant, you should compile the following information:

  • The date of your joint replacement surgery
  • The name of the surgeon who performed your joint replacement operation
  • The serial number of your implant device (a claim can still be initiated if you have troubles locating this)

The serial number of the implant can be found in your medical records. You can also look up the serial number of your implant at https://recall.exac.com/.

In addition, it is tremendously helpful to make a written document of your injury and the timeline of how it happened. Make a note of:

  • When and why you received the original implant
  • When you started noticing pain or other symptoms
  • What effect the symptoms have had on you (unable to walk, work, etc.)

It is also possible to speak with an Exactech representative through their helpline at (888) 912-0403. However, to protect your own interests, it is highly recommended that you contact a lawyer beforehand. They can advise you on the process, and if you are unable to do so yourself, they can continue preparations on your behalf.

How Can I Contact a Defective Medical Implant Lawyer?

Being injured by a medical implant product can present a host of challenges and problems on top of your original medical condition. Manufacturers of these products should be held to high standards when it comes to patient safety. Pursuing legal action can help put you on the path toward recovery and greater peace of mind.

However, these types of cases can be complex, and typically require the assistance of a lawyer. If you were injured by an Exactech product, get in touch with us at (205) 322-8880 for a no-obligation consultation. We will review your case and guide you towards the next course of action.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Exactech products were recalled?

Exactech, Inc. is an orthopedic device company headquartered in Gainesville, Florida. It has recently come to the company’s attention that significant health risks have been associated with certain implant products.

Affected products include:

  • Exactech Optetrak Knee Replacement  
  • Exactech Optetrak Logic Knee Implant  
  • Exactech Truliant Knee Replacement  
  • Exactech Connexion GXL Hip Implant Liner
  • Exactech Vantage Ankle Implants

As more information surfaces regarding the company’s actions, additional recalls may occur if more products are found to be defective.

What is the problem with Exactech knee, ankle, and hip implants?

For the Exactech knee and ankle products, the devices may have been compromised due to oxygen getting into packaging that was sealed improperly. This can lead to premature wearing and degradation of the components.

For the hip implants, certain aspects of the liner may be subject to premature wearing. Injury risks for all of these products include pain, damage to the joint, bone loss, and other conditions.

How can a defective medical implant lawyer help me?

Filing a lawsuit for an Exactech implant injury is a complex process. An attorney can help you with:

  • Reviewing the facts of what happened to you
  • Researching relevant laws
  • Gathering documents and evidence for trial
  • Crafting a strong legal strategy

The amount of compensation obtained often depends on many factors, including the skill and experience of the lawyer handling your case. Contact Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann for legal representation and guidance.

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