Question 1

Why did I receive an Exactech recall letter?

Accepted Answer

On February 7, 2022, surgeons throughout the United States were provided a draft Exactech recall letter (PDF) that could be sent to patients. While some surgeons may have customized this recall notice, the letter sent by Exactech outlines the problems with certain knee and ankle implants packaged in “non-conforming” bags. Each of the recalled Exactech knee or ankle replacements contained a polyethylene plastic insert, which was packaged in a defective vacuum bag. These “out-of-specification” bags do not contain a secondary barrier layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), which provides critical oxygen resistance for the component.

Question 2

Am I eligible for an Exactech recall lawsuit if I did not receive a letter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Exactech lawsuit settlement benefits could be available for individuals who received a defective implant, even if they never receive an Exactech letter or recall notice from their surgeon.

Question 3

What implants are impacted by the Exactech poly recall?

Accepted Answer

After initially recalling only a limited number of Exactech knee replacements in August 2021, the manufacturer has now widely expanded the recall to include all Exactech polyethylene inserts shipped with knee and ankle implants in non-conforming bags, regardless of the label or shelf-life of the product.

Question 4

How do I find out if I have a recalled Exactech knee, ankle, or hip replacement?

Accepted Answer

Many individuals will not know the exact brand of Exactech knee or ankle implant used during their joint replacement surgery, or whether they received a defective plastic insert. Therefore, it may be necessary to obtain copies of medical records or contact your orthopedic surgeon to confirm the type of implant and serial number.  While the Exactech recall has not outlined the specific serial numbers for implants that were recalled, a webpage has been provided by the manufacturer where you can input the serial number for your implant and find out if it was recalled.

Question 5

How serious is the Exactech knee recall?

Accepted Answer

Recalled Exactech implants pose a significant risk of catastrophic failure for your knee replacement, potentially resulting in unnecessary pain, early revision surgery and a diminished overall quality of life. Registry data has shown “statistically significant higher” Exactech Optetrak knee revision rates compared to other total knee replacement systems.  Reports of joint replacement problems tracked in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have found that the polyethylene plastic inserts used with Exactech knee implants are failing at an alarming rate.

Question 6

Will I need knee revision surgery if I have a recalled Exactech implant?

Accepted Answer

Exactech has acknowledged that the recalled implants are prone to fail prematurely, which typically results in the need for knee revision surgery. However, pre-emptive removal of recalled knee implants is not being recommended by the manufacturer if the knee is not painful and functioning well. Doctors will likely recommend an x-ray to evaluate the Exactech knee replacement and status of the recalled poly insert.

Question 7

Should I file an Exactech recall claim with Broadspire?

Accepted Answer

As part of the recall announcement, Exactech indicates that it has already hired Broadspire, a settlement adjusting company, which will oversee a claims reimbursement process. The manufacturer only indicates that this will cover “recall-related out-of-pocket expenses”, and no information has been provided about what important rights individuals may give by filing an Exactech recall claim with Broadspire.

Question 8

What will an Exactech recall settlement offer cover?

Accepted Answer

Any Exactech recall settlement should cover the full cost of all medical treatment and surgery required after a knee, ankle or hip replacement fails, as well as provide financial compensation for pain and suffering, inconvenience, lost wages, and medical expenses.

Question 9

How do I file an Exactech Recall Lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Through an individual Exactech recall lawsuit you will have the opportunity to obtain the maximum amount of financial compensation and damages available for all problems caused by a defective knee, ankle or hip replacement.  The Exactech recall lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. provide free consultations and claim evaluations to review the legal options that are available, and there are never any fees or expenses unless you decide to move forward through our law firm and we win your case.  It is not necessary that you received an Exactech recall letter or confirm that you received a recalled knee, ankle or hip implant before contacting our law firm to start a free claim review.

CATEGORY ARCHIVE FOR

Knee Replacement

Exactech Recall: Info for Exactech Knee Recall, Ankle Recall, and Hip Recall Patients

Knee Replacement Complications May Be Caused By Recalled or Defective Implants

Zimmer Persona Knee Recall Lawyers

Stryker Knee Lawyers for ShapeMatch Cutting Guide Recall

Zimmer NexGen Knee Class Action Lawsuit-Like Consolidation Formed in Federal Court

Knee and Hip Replacement Problems Will Be Identified Sooner in U.S. With New Registries

Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacements Recalled

Zimmer NexGen Knee Lawyers: Reports of Replacement Knee Problems and Revisions