Research Confirms Early Failure of Zimmer Knee Components
A large number of plaintiffs have launched a Zimmer knee lawsuit, with the aid of a Zimmer knee lawyer, in response to the premature loosening of the artificial implant’s MIS tibial parts.
Zimmer currently offers a line of “high flexion” artificial knees, designed to give patients greater range of motion than is possible in a standard model knee. As part of the high flex knee package, Zimmer also recommends its trademarked MIS, or “minimally invasive solutions” procedures. MIS surgery involves the same implants as a standard total knee replacement (TKR) procedure, but with surgical techniques adjusted to limit recovery and rehabilitation time for the implant recipient. MIS surgery utilizes a smaller incision, usually between 3-5 inches instead of the conventional 12 inches. MIS surgery avoids cutting through key tendons and muscles, and results in less blood loss for the patient.
Zimmer knee loosening issues
Along with revised surgical techniques, MIS procedures also involve specialized component parts to work in tandem with the central knee implant. These parts are referred to as MIS tibial components; their design makes them easier to fit through an incision, and they can be used in concert with multiple models of Zimmer knees, including the NexGen CR Flex and the NexGen LPS Flex. It should be noted that recent reports have suggested early loosening in both of these artificial knees at higher than expected rates. Some patients who have experienced such loosening have hired a Zimmer knee lawyer to file a Zimmer knee lawsuit.
In September of 2010, Zimmer voluntarily recalled certain MIS tibial components from the market.
Zimmer knee failure rates
Subsequent studies have confirmed the unexpectedly high failure rate of MIS tibial components. In a report presented to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons conference in March of 2010, Dr. Steven H. Weeden and Dr. Steven Boyd Ogden revealed their findings about MIS tibial parts. The researchers found a higher than expected rate of device loosening in regard to MIS tibial parts. Specifically, 5.2% of MIS tibias failed at an average time of 2.6 years.
Any artificial knee recipient who has experienced the side effects of premature dislocation of MIS tibial parts including: extreme pain and stiffness, along with the need for revision surgery, are encouraged to contact a Zimmer knee lawyer to discuss the possibility of seeking monetary compensation via a Zimmer knee lawsuit.
