Despite Limited Recall of Faulty Knee Components, System Remains on Market
Zimmer Inc. manufactures a wide variety of orthopedic implants. Zimmer has been named as a defendant in lawsuits filed by patients who allege that the company’s products are defective. Specifically, the Zimmer NexGen knee has been targeted by plaintiffs who claim that the implant failed, forcing them to undergo revision surgeries. Despite these complaints, no full Zimmer NexGen knee recall has ever been issued, either by the manufacturer or the FDA. However, Zimmer has recalled certain faulty components of the NexGen knee system.
Patients who believe they were injured by a Zimmer implant have consulted a Zimmer knee lawyer for legal guidance.
Zimmer knee failure overstated, says manufacturer
Zimmer’s website addresses patients’ concerns about Zimmer knee failure by noting that the FDA has not issued a Zimmer NexGen knee recall. The company has recalled certain components of the knee, noting that, for instance, a certain tibial component (no longer sold) may cause the implant to loosen.
Zimmer’s statement reassures patients that the company is confident that its products are “safe and effective,” noting that the NexGen knee is “the most trusted knee replacement system in the world.” The company asserts that instances of premature Zimmer knee failure is more attributable to surgeon error and flaws in training.
Prominent orthopedic surgeon addresses alleged Zimmer knee failure
The most vocal critic of the Zimmer knee might be Dr. Richard Berger, a former consultant and “master teacher” for Zimmer who later brought attention to problems he observed with the high flex model. The company rejected the doctor’s assertions and cited device success rate in foreign markets.
But even Dr. Berger notes that most surgeons do not match his level of expertise, and Zimmer holds to the fact that its implant systems are statistically the “best performing of all major knee replacement systems.” Unless the FDA weighs in, the cause of some patients’ early Zimmer knee failure will remain up for debate: a defect inherent in the product or surgical error?
Either way, patients injured after receiving a Zimmer knee implant have reached out to a Zimmer knee lawyer to see if they are eligible to seek compensation through litigation.
