A retrospective surgeon’s review of the Nexgen Complete Knee System has concluded that there are fundamental issues with the implant design, issues that could pave the way for further lawsuits. Zimmer Biomet is the largest knee implant manufacturer in the world, producing many effective products in this area since 1995. However, in 2001 the company began distributing a new model of High Flex NexGen implants that led to many hundreds of complaints by those fitted with them. To date, Zimmer Biomet are the only knee replacement implants manufacturer that has experienced mass litigation relating to this type of medical device, with 1,700 individual lawsuits documented up to 2019 and many thousands of units recalled.
The follow-up review of the NexGen Complete Knee System was conducted by David Keohane, an Orthopaedic Specialist Registrar, who published his findings in The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery. Keohane notes in his conclusions that aseptic loosening is a fundamental issue with the NexGen implant design, with arthroplasty surgeon’s documenting a high aseptic revision rate. Keohane also outlines how his original results, published in 2020, showed a high failure rate that led to the discontinuation of using this implant in his unit. In the follow-up study, published in June 2022, Keohane sets out “to 1) assess the all-cause revision rate for this cohort of patients; and 2) to identify cases of aseptic loosening of the tibial component”.
The key findings of the review suggest that early aseptic loosening is complex and multi-factorial. Keohane and his colleagues believe they have identified an issue that is specific to the NexGen implant and which they believe has been brushed over by the UK National Joint Registry, despite an excellent dataset. He urges surgeons to take extreme caution when using this type of implant (specifically LPS Flexion with Option Tibia).
New Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement Lawsuits
The findings of Keohane’s review may well lead to new litigation proceedings against Zimmer Biomet by patients who have been fitted with the NexGen Complete Knee System. The company is not a stranger to new lawsuits, a notable product liability case was brought in Georgia late last year where the plaintiff alleged that the medical device “sheared” inside his knee.
The effects of a faulty Nexgen Knee Replacement implant can be debilitating for the patient fitted with one. Difficulty standing or walking, avoidable revision surgery, loosening of the implant parts, knee pain and discomfort after surgery and total knee replacement failure are some of the problems litigants have experienced after initially being fitted with a Zimmer NexGen knee implant.
Assistance With Filing a Lawsuit
Have you been fitted with Zimmer NexGen device in the past and experienced any difficulty standing or walking as a result? You may have had to undergo painful revision surgery and lost a significant amount of time from work due to the difficulties. If you have had any significant problems with this device, you may have grounds to bring a lawsuit against Zimmer Biomet, specific to their NexGen Complete Knee System.
With more than 30 years of experience in dealing with medical negligence claims, our team here at McCarthy + Co. have brought many successful claims against the manufacturers of faulty and defective medical devices. If you are currently experiencing issues with a Zimmer NexGen Knee System, our expert solicitors will be glad to provide guidance on bringing your case. Call us on 1800 390 555 and an experienced member of staff will discuss your situation and potential next steps. You can also email on [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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