Exactech Lawsuit Blames Defective Polyethylene Insert for Premature Knee Failure
A defective and recalled polyethylene insert was responsible for the premature failure of an Exactech Truliant knee replacement system, alleges one of the latest product liability lawsuits brought against Exactech over faulty knee, hip, and ankle implants. The defective knee implant lawsuit was filed last week by plaintiff Gary Cheramie, who is seeking damages for injuries he suffered and continues to suffer as a result of problems with Exactech’s Truliant Total Knee System, which contained a polyethylene tibial insert that was packaged in a defective, out-of-specification vacuum bag that caused the insert to degrade prematurely. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or premature device failure involving an Exactech knee, hip, or ankle implant, contact Consumer Safety Watch today. You may have grounds to sue Exactech for allegedly manufacturing, distributing, and marketing a defective medical device.
What is the Problem with Exactech’s Truliant Device?
Exactech’s Truliant Total Knee System is marketed as a high-performance total knee replacement system primarily intended for patients experiencing pain in the knee joint due to arthritis. On its website, Exactech claims that “The longevity of a total knee implant is often attributed to the combination of excellent design and materials.” However, Exactech admits in a recent recall announcement that most of the polyethylene inserts used in its Truliant, Optetrak, and Optetrak Logic knee replacement systems dating back to 2004 were packaged in out-of-specification vacuum bags. The non-conforming bags were oxygen resistant but did not contain a secondary barrier layer containing ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), which is meant to further augment oxygen resistance. As a result of the defective packaging, the inserts were exposed to oxygen prior to implantation, which may increase the risk of recipients experiencing premature implant failure and requiring revision surgery.
Serious Complications Linked to Recalled Exactech Implants
After discovering the problem with its polyethylene inserts, Exactech announced a series of recalls affecting its Truliant, Optetrak, and Optetrak Logic knee replacement systems, as well as certain hip and ankle implants. These device recalls spurred hundreds of complaints by consumers who have suffered premature device failure and other complications due to defective and recalled polyethylene inserts in Truliant and other knee, hip, and ankle replacement systems that wore out earlier than expected. Among other serious and potentially permanent complications, many affected consumers have had or will have to undergo additional surgery to remove and replace the failed implant. According to reports, premature degredation of the polyethylene inserts used in Exactech’s recalled implants may lead to serious problems, including:
- Chronic pain
- Loosening of the implant
- Swelling
- Tissue damage
- Bone loss
- Inflammation
- Instability of the joint
- Implant fracture
- Premature failure
- Difficulty walking
According to this latest Exactech lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on September 8, 2022, Gary Cheramie received a Truliant Total Knee System implant during a knee replacement surgery in June 2021, and within weeks, began experiencing pain and loosening of the implant. “Over a year after his surgery, Plaintiff continues to have significant pain and instability in his left knee due to the Truliant Device and has had worsening pain, instability and swelling, is unable to bear weight on his knee, and cannot walk or exercise without pain and assistance,” the defective knee implant lawsuit states. “Recently, Plaintiff was informed by his physician that the only way to correct the problem and potentially alleviate the pain in his left knee is to have revision surgery, which Plaintiff intends to have done.”
Find Out if You Qualify for Compensation from Exactech
Exactech’s Truliant knee replacement system is one of more than 270,000 artificial implants that have been recalled by the manufacturer due to defective polyethylene inserts that were packaged in out-of-specification vacuum bags. If you received a Truliant knee replacement system or any other recalled Exactech implant, and you have experienced painful complications like swelling, inflammation, bone loss, implant fracture, or any other issue, do not hesitate to seek legal help. Hundreds of implant recipients are already pursuing claims against Exactech for defective and recalled devices that they say left them with severe and permanent injuries. Contact Consumer Safety Watch as soon as possible to find out if you may be eligible to join the growing Exactech defective device litigation.
