Insight

Exactech Lawsuit Attorneys

Exactech Lawsuit Attorneys

Roy D. Oppenheim

Roy D. Oppenheim

June 22, 2022 04:17 PM

Exactech Knee Lawsuit Attorneys Call 954-384-6114 Exactech Lawsuit Lawyers

Exactech is Knee-Deep in Lawsuits

Exactech, founded in 1988, is a Gainesville-based medical technology company that specializes in the production of devices for use in joint replacement procedures. Exactech is currently under scrutiny over claims that their knee and ankle replacement devices are wearing out faster than expected. The shorter lifespan of these devices has forced users to undergo avoidable revision surgeries at its best, and health-threatening complications at its worst.

An Invisible Problem

Exactech Knee replacement devices, specifically, the Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, Truliant, and Vantage Systems have prompted the company as well as the FDA to issue warnings and an Exactech recall. The Optetrak Logic system, for instance, marketed to have “excellent long-term implant survivorship” is an insert that is attached to both the femur and the tibia (the two bones that meet at the knee) to essentially act as an anchor point between the two bones. The device’s unique selling point is that it is designed to both maximize bone preservation and reduce wear.


In order for the Optetrak Logic System and the other devices to achieve both of those goals, the devices use a special technology that Exactech calls “Net Compression Molded Polyethylene” (NCPM), which is a combination of two design feats: the use of a special type of plastic called polyethylene and the compression of this material using a technique that is meant to reduce oxidation. Ironically, despite Exactech’s innovation in their product design attempting to mitigate oxidation, it seems the packaging of the product was not sufficient to guarantee the functionality of the product.

Optetrak Logic Lawsuit

The problem Exactech faces arises because the materials used in knee and ankle replacement devices are all prone to oxidation, even their innovative NCPM, and this process is accelerated when the NCPM is exposed to oxygen from the air. Exactech allegedly knew this, and to address this problem they shipped their devices in vacuum sealed bags. However, just last year, Exactech realized that devices sold as far back as 2004 were shipped with defective vacuum-seal bags, which meant the devices were exposed to oxygen all the way up to insertion and thus degraded significantly faster than what was originally planned.

Truliant Knee Exactech Lawsuit

Early oxidation weakens the polyethylene plastic faster, resulting in the implants having malfunctions much earlier than expected thereby forcing users to undergo revision surgeries. To make matters worse, before users realize they need a revision surgery they may experience joint pain, swelling, difficulty walking, knee instability, grinding, clicking or other noises from the implant, and bone loss (osteolysis).

A Growing Recall

In August of 2021, Exactech disclosed problems with the Exactech replacement inserts. However many consumers did not know about the Exactech replacement inserts issue until February 7, 2002 when Exactech announced a world-wide recall of their Optetrak products containing polyethylene. The FDA classified this recall as a Class II recall, which means the product in question has the chance of causing “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” Later, on February 7, 2022, Exactech communicated that actually most of their inserts manufactured since 2004 were packaged in defective bags that do not isolate oxygen adequately, which led them to increase the magnitude of the recall. The most recent recall now includes three more types of inserts, including both knee and ankle replacement devices, and more than doubles the number of recalled units. Exactech sent their recall notice to orthopedic surgeons throughout the United States providing information as to the reason for the recall, and notifying the surgeons to provide the recall letter to their patients who had the defective devices.

Let’s Make Things Right

If you have used or currently use Exactech Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, Truliant, or Vantage systems and either had to undergo revision surgery or have suffered from osteolysis (bone loss), loosening, lysis, swelling, difficulty walking, and pain associated with polyethylene wear, you may be entitled to compensation.

Our team at Oppenheim Law recognizes the burden these complications and avoidable surgeries can have on both individuals and their lives. That is why our firm provides a team of professionals committed to zealously represent our clients.

Please feel free to call us at (954) 384-6114, contact us at contactus@oppenheimlaw.com, or chat with us at www.oppenheimlaw.com so we can inform you of your legal rights so you can obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

originally posted at: https://www.oppenheimlaw.com/exactech-lawsuit-attorneys/

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky