Pittsburgh PA Defective Zimmer Knee Replacements Lawyer
Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement Lawyers
The defective surgical device attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. are now consulting potential clients over the negative side effects of Zimmer Holdings’ NexGen knee replacement devices. Zimmer once developed some of the best knee replacement products on the market. One of its most successful products, the NexGen Complete Knee Solution System, was placed on the medical market in 1995 and is still considered to be one of the most successful knee replacement models ever.
As the world’s leader in knee replacement implants, controlling over a quarter of the market and worth well over $7 billion, Zimmer decided to further capitalize on the NexGen series of knee replacement products and revamped its version of the product in 2001. Zimmer Holdings’ 2001 version, NexGen Flex, were designed and marketed as the most advanced knee replacement systems in the world, allowing for up to 155 degrees of movement.
FDA recalls Zimmer knee replacement devices
From September 2010 to December 2010, three of Zimmer’s NexGen Flex series models were recalled due to their adverse effects on patients. One of the products reported to the FDA is known as the NexGen Complete Knee Solution MIS Tibial Components. These components include the NexGen TM Tibial Trays, MIS Modular Tibial Plates and Keels, and the NexGen LPS-Flex Gender Femoral Component. Then, in January 2012, another Zimmer product, not part of the NexGen Flex series, known as the Natural Knee II Durasul All-Poly Patella, was also pulled from the market by the FDA in another recall.
Complications surrounding NexGen Flex MIS Tibial mechanisms
Zimmer’s NexGen MIS Tibial Component was designed to be used with two NexGen Flex Knee replacement systems: the LPS Flex and the CR Flex. Zimmer’s MIS Tibial Component was used in minimally invasive procedures for surgeries wherein surgeons foresaw no complications. The benefit to the patient was supposed to be a 4 or 5 inch incision scar as opposed to scars that generally vary in length from 8 to 12 inches. In addition, the product was developed to reduce blood loss and quicken recovery times for knee replacement patients.
After surgeons and their patients began reporting high rates of failure for the MIS Tibial Components, Zimmer issued what is known as an Urgent Device Correction, or UDC, in April of 2010. Zimmer eventually admitted that procedures involving MIS Tibial Components are already challenging and that the device could cause an obstructed view for surgeons, leading to implant misalignments and faulty anchoring of the devices.
At Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., our experienced defective surgical device lawyers recognize that Zimmer marketed this new technique to be used with its improperly manufactured products and many people suffered as a result. Contacting Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. to plan your course of action for a possible lawsuit against Zimmer Holdings may reward you with the compensation you deserve for wage losses, medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
FDA recalls more defective knee replacement devices from Zimmer
Among other defective Zimmer surgical devices to be recalled was the NexGen LPS-Flex GSF Femoral Component. This mechanism was specifically marketed for use in female patients. Although similar in design, Zimmer claimed that this version of NexGen Flex provided a more comfortable fit and an increase in stability. However, the product often became loose and the FDA eventually reported full on collapses of parts of the product within the knee that were extremely painful and required corrective revision surgery. The FDA’s ultimate reason for pulling the product from the market was due to the fact that once implanted, the components of the device did not align.
Another Zimmer recall is the Natural Knee II Durasul All-Poly Patella, which was pulled from the medical market in January of 2012. The All-Poly Patella was recalled by the FDA because it was reported to fracture under even minimal stress, causing debilitating patellar pain and overall knee injuries. Zimmer estimates that at the time the All-Poly Patella was recalled, there were more than 100,000 of the devices already implanted in patients.
Specific designations of Zimmer knee replacement recalls
- NexGen MIS Total Knee Procedure Stemmed Tibial Components (all components within the system are subject to recall)
- NexGen Complete Knee Solution Cruciate Retaining-Flex Femoral Components (also known as the CR-Flex)
- NexGen Complete Knee Solution Gender Solutions Female LPS-Flex (also known as the GSF LPS-Flex)
- NexGen Complete Knee Solution Legacy Posterior Stabilized-Flex Femoral Components (also known as the LPS-Flex)
- NexGen Complete Knee Solution CR-Flex Gender Solutions Female CR-Flex (also known as the GSF-Flex)
Call Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. today for a free consultation
At Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., Attorneys at Law, we have been helping people and their families recover the compensation they deserve from negligent surgical device manufacturers for over 30 years. However, the statute of limitations for every state are different, so it is imperative that you contact us as soon as possible so that we can consider all aspects of your case and get you the help you need.
To date, there have been well over seven hundred claims filed against Zimmer Holdings for their knee replacement products. If you or someone you care for has been injured by one of Zimmer’s knee replacement devices, then please contact the defective surgical device attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. today for a free consultation. Call us at (toll free) 800-777-4081, or contact us via email by clicking here, and get the peace of mind you have been seeking. Remember, the attorney you choose DOES make a difference. Call Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. today.