Defective Medical Device

Representing the injured, the wronged and their families

Smith & Nephew Knee Implant

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Smith & Nephew Knee Implants Recalled
London-based Smith & Nephew, Europe’s largest producer of artificial joints and other orthopedic devices, issued a voluntary recall of the company’s cementless knee implants on September 17, 2003. The company announced the halting of sales of the cementless versions of two of its knee systems – the Oxinium® Genesis II and the Profix® II - because of the necessity of a “higher than expected number of follow-up operations (1).”

The knee implants were failing because some of the implants were not properly bonding to patient’s bones. The results could include the requirement of a second surgery, musculoskeletal damage, bone loss, infection, and severe pain.

More than 300,000 people undergo knee surgery every year in the United States.

Smith & Nephew Defective Knee Implants
Smith & Nephew wrote off $147 million to help cover losses from the failed knee implants. The implants were taken off the market after being used in 2,971 patients. Replacing the implant in 765 patients has cost the company and its insurers about $90 million to date (2).

Two insurers are currently refusing to pay about $31 million, the company said. Smith & Nephew said it will fight the refusals, but must prepare for future legal and medical costs (2).

Smith & Nephew Knee Implant Risks
Signs of possible complications with Smith & Nephew knee implants may include:

• Excessive pain in knee area
• Looseness of the femoral component
• Need for a second knee surgery to replace the faulty implant
• Knee revision (a complicated, lengthy surgery that may necessitate bone grafting and custom prosthetic parts)
• Infection at site of operation
• Musculoskeletal problems including bone loss
• Damage to knee requiring extensive rehabilitation
  

What should I do if I have a defective knee implant?
If you experience any of the above complications or symptoms at the site of you knee implant, consult with your physician immediately. However, if you or someone you care about received an Oxinium Genesis II or Profix II model Smith & Nephew knee implant and suffered complications after surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. Fill out a Free Online Consultation form today or call us today for a confidential case evaluation.

Sources:

Knee Implant Recall Hits Smith & Nephew by Geoff Gibbs. September 18, 2003, the Guardian Unlimited.

Recall Hurts Strong Year by Andy Murray. February 7, 2005, the Eagle Tribune.

Oxinium®, Profix®, and Genesis II® are registered trademarks of Smith & Nephew and are used here only for the purpose of identifying the products in question.

This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with the Guardian Unlimited, the Eagle Tribune, or Smith & Nephew.

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

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